1950 Map of Penawawa

About this map

The Snake River carves a deep path through this 1950s landscape, serving as the border between Whitman and Garfield counties. The map illustrates a river-centered economy and geography prior to major dam projects, where alluvial bars like Rice Bar and Swift Bar were prominent enough to support small settlements and river crossings. Small communities such as Penawawa and Rice sit directly on the riverbanks, connected by the Union Pacific railroad line that follows the northern shore through Penawawa Canyon.