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1953 Map of Smiths Ferry

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Smiths Ferry
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

Smiths Ferry and the North Fork Payette River anchor this mid-century look at the mountain-and-valley landscape of central Idaho. The rugged topography of the Boise National Forest is dominated by prominent summits such as Snowbank Mtn and Tripod Peak, which served as critical vantage points for the Tripod Lookout. At this time, the Cascade Reservoir Spillway 4828 appears at the northern edge, reflecting the hydraulic management of the region's river systems.

Transportation and education infrastructure mark the quieter valleys. The Union Pacific railroad runs parallel to the river, serving small rail-side settlements like Belvidere and Cabarton. Local history is preserved in the location of rural schoolhouses, including the Lower Alpha School (Aban'd) and Round Valley School (Aban'd), which are already noted as abandoned by the time of this survey. The presence of Sage Hen Res and numerous high-country lakes like Blue Lake illustrate the area's rich water resources and remote meadows.