1917 Map of Pasco

About this map

The Columbia River and Yakima River define the development of the Tri-Cities region at a time when irrigation and rail transport were rapidly transforming the desert landscape. While Pasco and Kennewick are established hubs, Richland appears as a smaller settlement long before its mid-century expansion. The landscape is a network of early infrastructure, from the Zimmerman Ferry crossing the Columbia to the extensive Horn Rapids Ditch and various nameless irrigation canals that supported early agriculture. To the south, the Horse Heaven Hills rise above the river valleys, carved by numerous named canyons like Webber Canyon and Badger Canyon. Genealogists can find numerous rural landmarks, including the Triple Springs School, Baxter School, and several family-named water sources such as Bangs Well and Williams Wells.