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1949 Map of Thousand Springs

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Thousand Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Snake River carves a dramatic path through this 1949 survey, defining the border between Gooding and Twin Falls counties. The landscape is characterized by the remarkable emergence of groundwater along the canyon walls, most notably at Thousand Springs and Sand Springs. These water sources supported early recreational and industrial development, including the Banbury Natatorium and several Powerhouse locations.

The agricultural transformation of the arid Idaho plains is evident in the extensive network of Irrigation Ditches and flumes that crisscross the plateau. Local landmarks like the Lucerne School and the Snake River Fish Hatchery reflect a community built around the unique hydrology of the region. From the white water of Kanaka Rapids and Devils Washboard Falls to the depths of Box Canyon, this map documents a era when the river's power was being harnessed for both utility and leisure.