1954 Map of St. Helens

About this map

St. Helens and its river-dependent neighbors occupy this reach of the lower Columbia River during a period of mid-century industrial and residential expansion. The map details the complex shoreline where the river meets the Multnomah Channel, surrounding large landmasses like Bachelor Island and the northern tip of Sauvie Island. These islands, defined by an intricate network of sloughs and lakes such as Sturgeon Lake and Cunningham Slough, highlight the delta-like environment before further modern development. Inland, the transition from the riverfront to the upland is marked by scattered schools like McBride Sch and Bachelor Flat School, along with early suburban growth in Columbia Heights. The presence of the Burlington Northern railroad and the Columbia River Hwy underscores the importance of this corridor for regional transport between Portland and the coast. Large-scale features like the Columbia County Airport and various quarries indicate the area's diversifying economy beyond traditional river commerce.