1956 Map of Western

About this map

Western sits at a geographic pivot point in the coastal terrain of Southwest Washington, marking a small settlement near the headwaters of the Johns River. The landscape is defined by an intricate network of waterways draining toward the coast, including the Elk River and the branching systems of the Middle Branch and East Branch. This 1950s-era survey documents a region where industry and geography meet, evidenced by the extensive Levee and Piling structures along the North River near the border of Grays Harbor Co and Pacific Co. The map records the early engineering of the coastal plains, showing the transition from natural drainage like Barlow Creek and Gold Creek to human-altered features such as the Crawford Ditch. Genealogists and local historians can use these specific creek and river labels to pinpoint old property boundaries and drainage projects common to the era's land management.