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1951 Map of Tulelake

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Tulelake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

The high desert landscape along the Oregon California border reveals a complex history of reclamation and conflict. Centered on the drained bed of Tule Lake, the map shows the reclaimed farmland of the Tulelake basin, where a geometric grid of roads like East-West Rd and Havilina Road serves modern agriculture and the town of Newell. This settlement developed near the Tulelake Airport, while the Southern Pacific and Great Northern railroads cross the basin, connecting ranching and farming outposts such as Dalton, Tuber, and Stronghold.

To the south, the terrain transitions into the stark volcanic fields of Lava Beds National Monument. The map preserves the geography of the Modoc War, marking the Battle of Lairds Ranch (Site) and Battle of Scorpion Point (Site), along with natural landmarks like Hospital Rock, Fossil Cave, and Prisoners Rock. This 1951 survey documents the area as the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge was managing the remaining waters of the Tule Lake Sump.