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1964 Map of Steptoe

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Steptoe
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

Steptoe Butte rises as a prominent landmark in the Whitman County landscape, preserved here within Steptoe Butte State Park during the early 1960s. The surrounding Palouse country is defined by its agricultural character and a dual rail network, with the Union Pacific and Great Northern lines cutting through the undulating terrain. The small community of Steptoe sits at a crossroads in the southwest, while a portion of Oakesdale is visible at the northern edge, highlighting the area's role as a grain-producing hub.

Watercourses like Thorn Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Pleasant Valley Creek drain the slopes between curiosities like Steam Shovel Hill. Local history is anchored by the Bethel Cem and various rural infrastructure, including a Water Tank, Radio Towers, and a Gravel Pit. The map also captures fine details of land management, indicated by the red dashed lines representing selected fence lines throughout the township.