1968 Map of Venator

About this map

Venator and the surrounding high desert ranchlands of Harney County are defined by a network of seasonal water sources and isolated homesteads. The settlement pattern here reflects the vital importance of water management in the Oregon interior, with features like China Hill Reservoir, Twin Reservoir, and Alder Creek Reservoir punctuating the landscape. Named family holdings such as Hunter Ranch, Miller Ranch, and Hughes Ranch are connected by a system of creek drainages including Crane Creek and Coyote Creek. This 1970s-era topography also documents specialized water points for livestock, such as Top of the Hill Waterhole and Floater Waterhole. The presence of the Pacific Trail and the remote Dunnean settlement further illustrate the area's sparse development and reliance on rugged overland routes through the sagebrush-covered Tables.