1953 Map of Ritzville

About this map

The expansive drainage basins of the Crab Creek and the Moses Coulee define this mid-century landscape of Central Washington. The massive water management infrastructure of the era is evident through the presence of Franklin D Roosevelt Lake, Banks Lake, and the Potholes Reservoir, reflecting the industrial and agricultural transformation of the Columbia Basin. Aviation and military presence are anchored by Larson Air Force Base and Ephrata Air Base, while agricultural hubs like Ritzville and Davenport sit at the intersection of critical rail lines including the Great Northern and Northern Pacific.