1953 Map of Rainier

About this map

The Columbia River serves as the dominant geographic and economic spine of this 1950s landscape, separating the industrial activity of Longview, Washington, from the timbered slopes of Rainier, Oregon. Along the northern bank, heavy industry is concentrated at the Port of Longview and a large Sawmill near the Log Pond, while the U S Naval Reserve Training Center marks the riverfront. On the Oregon side, the terrain rises sharply from the water, characterized by named peaks like Fern Hill and the winding Beaver Valley. Rural life is anchored by several local institutions, including the Knights of Pythias Cem and various schools such as Hudson Sch and the Fernhill Sch (Aband). Downstream, the river bifurcates around Cottonwood Island through the Carrolls Channel and Slaughters Channel, passing small river-adjacent communities like Prescott and Goble.