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1956 Map of Wheeler NE

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Wheeler NE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Schultz Memorial Cem sits on the high ground of the Washington-Grant Co. line, overlooking a landscape defined by the drainage patterns of the Columbia Basin. The small settlement of Ruff is situated in the southeastern portion of the map, serving as a focal point for the local agricultural community. The terrain is deeply incised by significant coulees, including Sand Coulee in the north and the prominent Rocky Coulee to the south. These geographic features, along with Rocky Branch, illustrate the erosion-carved basalt landscape characteristic of this region.

Transportation and industry are represented by the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad, which skirts the eastern edge of the survey area. Evidence of local material extraction is visible through several Gravel Pits located near the rail line and coulee floors. This mid-century map captures the area just as the Columbia Basin Project was transforming the regional economy, though the immediate terrain remains largely defined by its natural topography and early rail infrastructure.