1956 Map of Mount Vernon

About this map

The Skagit River dominates this mid-century landscape as it winds through the alluvial valley, branching into the N Fork and S Fork around Fir Island. The area's development is centered on Mount Vernon and Burlington, showing a dense network of local schools including Washington School, Lincoln Sch, and Roosevelt Sch. The industrial and agricultural character of the era is evident in the presence of the Burlington Northern railroad lines and the numerous sloughs like Britt Slough and Gages Slough that crisscross the lowlands. Significant landmarks such as Skagit Valley College and Barker Airfield sit alongside topographic features like Little Mtn and Burlington Hill, while smaller settlements like Sterling and Skagit City represent the established riverfront communities before late-century expansion. The map also traces the transition of the landscape with several quarries, borrow pits, and the distinctive Big Rock formation overlooking Baker Heights.