1904 Map of Riddle

About this map

Southern Pacific R. R. (San Francisco and Portland Line) tracks wind through the canyon of Cow Creek, serving as the industrial spine for the rugged terrain of Douglas and Josephine counties. This early twentieth-century landscape is defined by its diverse mining economy, where gold and mineral claims like the Gold Bluff Mine and Klondike Mine dot the slopes of Tellurium Peak and Canyon Mt. In the lower elevations, the Umpqua River flows near Missouri Bottom, providing a contrast to the dense timber of the Umpqua National Forest. The map documents established communities such as Riddles and Canyonville, while also recording rural landmarks like the Pleasant Valley School and the Stage Road, reflecting the transition from pioneer-era transit to the rail-dominated landscape of the new century.