{"product_id":"old-map-of-portland-oregon-by-usgs-1961-columbia-willamette-rivers-vancouver","title":"Old Map of Portland, Oregon by USGS, 1961 – Columbia \u0026 Willamette Rivers, Vancouver","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished by the United States Geological Survey, the map titled “Portland” presents Oregon’s largest city through the exacting language of mid-twentieth-century topography. Created in 1961 and carrying a 1978 imprint, it preserves a layered moment in the city’s development: a survey-era portrait refined for later official use. At the 1:24,000 scale, Portland appears not as an abstraction but as a living terrain of streets, slopes, waterways, rail lines, parks, and industrial edges. The USGS’s disciplined cartographic style gives the sheet both scientific authority and visual elegance, with color-coded urban zones, blue waterways, precise gridlines, and contouring that reveals the hidden structure beneath the city’s neighborhoods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great natural framework of Portland is immediately apparent. The Willamette River bisects the city on its northward course to the Columbia River, shaping settlement, commerce, and transportation on both banks. Ross Island sits prominently in the river corridor, while the Columbia Slough traces the low, watery margins of North Portland. Johnson Creek winds through the southeast, marking a softer landscape of floodplain and neighborhood growth, and Mount Tabor rises as one of the city’s most distinctive volcanic landmarks. To the west, Forest Park and Washington Park emphasize Portland’s rare intimacy with steep, wooded terrain, while River View Cemetery and the hills above the Willamette display the dramatic elevation changes that define the city’s western edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an urban document, the map captures Portland during a pivotal period of metropolitan expansion. East Portland and West Portland are shown with their contrasting patterns: gridded streetcar-era neighborhoods on the east side and more contoured, hill-responsive development to the west. Sellwood, Ladd’s Addition, Hawthorne Boulevard, Alberta Street, and the areas later associated with the Alberta Arts District appear within a city still shaped by older commercial corridors and residential street patterns. Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Oregon City, and Vancouver suggest the wider regional orbit into which Portland was increasingly drawn. The map quietly records the transition from a compact river city into a broader, interconnected urban region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransportation is one of the map’s most revealing themes. Interstate 5, Marine Drive, and the evolving highway network show the growing dominance of automobile infrastructure, while the 1978 imprint helps place the sheet in the era when routes such as Interstate 205 were reshaping movement around the metropolitan edge. Portland International Airport appears as a major modern gateway beside the Columbia, reinforcing the city’s postwar role in regional commerce and travel. Older recreational and civic landmarks, including Oaks Amusement Park and Washington Park, coexist with industrial riverfronts, arterial roads, and suburban approaches. This mixture gives the map a striking historical texture: Portland caught between streetcar urbanism, highway planning, and environmental geography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe USGS was uniquely suited to create such a portrait, combining field survey, scientific measurement, and standardized national mapping conventions. Its work supported land management, engineering, resource assessment, and public planning, but it also produced maps of remarkable cultural value. Here, the bold use of red for developed areas, blue for rivers and sloughs, and careful contouring for relief turns Portland into a dense visual record of land use and landscape. Seen today, the map invites comparison with later decades of infill, freeway construction, neighborhood transformation, and environmental restoration. It is both a technical achievement and a historical witness to Portland at a moment when its modern metropolitan identity was still taking shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortland, Oregon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColumbia River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWillamette River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount Tabor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohnson Creek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoss Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEast Portland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWest Portland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLake Oswego\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSellwood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOregon City\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHillsboro\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeaverton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTigard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForest Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColumbia Slough\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterstate 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterstate 205\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortland International Airport\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWashington Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOaks Amusement Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVancouver, Washington\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine Drive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSandy River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlberta Street\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHawthorne Boulevard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiver View Cemetery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLadd's Addition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlberta Arts District\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey, this historical 1:24,000 topographical map shows Portland, Oregon and the surrounding area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map was created in 1961 and carries a 1978 imprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe US Geological Survey played a vital role in providing geographic information and scientific research for land management and resource assessment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map focuses on Portland’s urban development, transportation networks, natural features, and topography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor-coded topography is used, with red shades indicating urban and mixed-use areas and blue tones representing waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrecise annotations and gridlines reflect the cartographic standards of the period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map provides a detailed portrayal of elevation changes, water bodies, and urban infrastructure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt offers insight into Portland’s land use patterns during a period of significant growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map highlights a specific era in Portland’s development through its bold use of color and detailed urban planning elements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661408640,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815661441408,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815661474176,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661506944,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815661539712,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815661572480,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661605248,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815661638016,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815661670784,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661703552,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815661736320,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815661769088,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661801856,"sku":null,"price":83.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815661834624,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815661867392,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661900160,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815661932928,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815661965696,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815661998464,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662031232,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662064000,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662096768,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662129536,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662162304,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662195072,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662227840,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662260608,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662293376,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662326144,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662358912,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662391680,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662424448,"sku":null,"price":765.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662457216,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662489984,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662522752,"sku":null,"price":930.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662555520,"sku":null,"price":875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662588288,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662621056,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662653824,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815662686592,"sku":null,"price":565.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815662719360,"sku":null,"price":1975.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815662752128,"sku":null,"price":1875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_18b981e9-8a59-4691-9092-95dae9506d75.jpg?v=1788126349","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co.uk\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-portland-oregon-by-usgs-1961-columbia-willamette-rivers-vancouver","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}