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2020 Map of Mesa East

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Mesa East
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Mesa serves as the primary hub in this Franklin County landscape, situated where the terrain begins its ascent from the lower flats into a complex system of drainage channels. The geography is defined by prominent geological features such as Esquatzel Coulee, which cuts a distinct path through the topography, alongside Dunnigan Coulee and Old Maid Coulee to the northeast. These coulees reflect the dramatic erosional history of the Columbia Basin, creating a series of natural corridors and ridgelines.

Local transport and land use are centered around the settlement at Cactus and a network of rural routes named for early area families, including Pepiot Rd, Blanton Rd, and Owsley Rd. Water resources are sparse, highlighted by the presence of Baillie Pond. The transition from the historic Old State Rte 17 S to modern highway alignments demonstrates the continued importance of this corridor for regional connectivity.