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1990 Map of Richmond

Name: 1990 Topographic Map of Richmond
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

Richmond sits as the primary settlement in this high-altitude landscape of Wheeler County, positioned near the headwaters of Tamarack Creek. The terrain is defined by dramatic elevation changes, rising from the canyons of Bone Yard Canyon and Dippin Rig Cr up to the summits of Butler Mountain and Iron Mountain. These heights create a complex network of seasonal drainages, including Hardscrabble Creek and the curiously named Sixshooter Creek.

Remote meadows and ridges suggest a long history of seasonal grazing and timber access, with named locations like Floating Prairie, Sheet Iron Jack Meadow, and Mahogany Ridge providing specific landmarks for local genealogy and land-use research. The drainage pattern of Sheet Iron Jack Creek and Willow Creek flowing south toward Waterman Flat illustrates how the topography dictated travel and early homesteading routes through this section of the Oregon high country.