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1949 Map of Oreana

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Oreana
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Oreana serves as the primary focal point of this high-desert Owyhee County landscape, situated where the high plains meet the intricate drainage systems of the Snake River plain. The 1949 field check captures the settlement's core infrastructure, including the Oreana School, a Post Office, and a nearby Cemetery, all positioned near the intersection of various canyon-carving waterways. The arid character of the region is evident through the presence of a Windmill and the Little Hart Reservoir, indicating the vital importance of water management for local ranching and life.

The topography is defined by significant landmarks such as Fossil Butte and the winding paths of Fossil Creek, Picket Creek, and Catherine Creek. These watercourses create natural corridors through the terrain, historically influencing the placement of early homesteads and transportation routes. The survey also marks the prominent north-south line of the Boise Meridian, a critical surveying baseline that organized the distribution of land in this part of Idaho.