1965 Map of Vantage

About this map

The Columbia River corridor dominates this mid-1960s landscape, illustrating the massive scale of mid-century hydroelectric and infrastructure development in central Washington. This period marks a transformative era for the Vantage area following the creation of Wanapum Lake behind the Wanapum Dam. The map captures industrial and conservation efforts existing side-by-side, from the powerhouse and fish ladder at the dam to the protected grounds of Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park. To the west, Schnebly Road winds through rocky coulees like Ryegrass Coulee, while the eastern shore is defined by the steep Babcock Bench and the broad Frenchman Hills. This survey reflects a moment when the regional economy shifted from river-bottom grazing and small settlements like Echo toward large-scale power generation and recreation at the Ginkgo Museum.