Published in 1960 from survey data gathered in 1956, the U.S. Geological Survey’s “Cache” presents a richly detailed topographical portrait of the Medicine Park and Cache region of southwestern Oklahoma. At a scale of 1:62,500, it captures a landscape where settlement, recreation, and rugged terrain meet: Medicine Park, Lake Lawtonka, Mount Scott, Cache Creek, Bird Creek, and a web of rural roads and trails. The map belongs to the USGS tradition of precise, practical cartography, created to support land management, engineering, resource study, and outdoor exploration. Yet beyond its technical purpose, it offers an evocative mid-century view of a distinctive Oklahoma landscape, before later decades of expanded development, shifting land use, and growing recreational infrastructure altered the character of the area.

Medicine Park occupies a special place in Oklahoma history, and this map situates it beautifully within its natural setting. Founded in the early twentieth century as a resort community, the town became known for its cobblestone architecture, cool waters, and proximity to the Wichita Mountains. On the map, Medicine Park appears not as an isolated destination but as part of a broader recreational and ecological corridor shaped by Lake Lawtonka, nearby ridges, creek valleys, and wooded slopes. Mount Scott, one of the region’s most recognizable landmarks, anchors the surrounding terrain with dramatic elevation and commanding views. The USGS rendering allows the viewer to understand why this area attracted visitors seeking scenery, rest, and access to the outdoors.

The map’s color-coded relief is among its most compelling qualities, transforming technical survey information into a vivid reading of the land. Green areas indicate vegetation and wooded ground, while red and orange tones emphasize elevation change and rugged relief, making the mountainous portions, valleys, and ridgelines immediately legible. This visual language gives the Cache quadrangle a sense of depth and movement, guiding the eye from settled roads and water bodies into broken uplands and more remote terrain. Small reservoirs, branching creeks, and unnamed draws appear with quiet precision, revealing the hydrological texture of the region. Trails and minor roads further suggest how residents, ranchers, visitors, and land managers moved through this varied Oklahoma landscape.

The U.S. Geological Survey, established in 1879, became the preeminent American authority for systematic topographic mapping, and this sheet reflects the organization’s disciplined approach. USGS maps were not merely geographic references; they were instruments of national knowledge, helping define terrain for public works, military planning, conservation, agriculture, transportation, and recreation. In the “Cache” map, contours, drainage, vegetation, roads, and place names are integrated into a coherent portrait of the land as it was understood in the mid-1950s. The result is both scientific and historical. It records the physical environment with admirable clarity while also preserving the imprint of human activity: towns, highways, trails, reservoirs, and recreational access points embedded within a dynamic natural setting.

Viewed today, “Cache” is especially intriguing as a document of transition. The Medicine Park area has seen significant changes since the map’s publication, with population growth, tourism, roadway improvements, and evolving land use reshaping parts of the landscape. Yet the enduring features remain: Mount Scott rising above the region, Lake Lawtonka spreading below the hills, Cache Creek and Bird Creek threading through lower ground, and dense wooded habitats occupying protected or less-developed areas. The map offers a refined historical window onto a beloved Oklahoma setting, capturing the interplay of resort culture, rural settlement, mountain scenery, and ecological richness. It is a thoughtful and visually engaging record of place, made with the clarity and authority that define the best USGS cartography.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Medicine Park
• Mount Scott
• Lake Lawtonka
• Cache, Oklahoma
• Bird Creek
• Cache Creek
• Various unnamed smaller valleys and ridges
• Small reservoirs and water bodies
• Trails indicated throughout the area
• Nearby highways and roads
• Areas of dense forest and wildlife habitats

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:62,500 topographical map showing Medicine Park, Oklahoma and the surrounding area.
• Produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
• Published in 1960, with survey data from 1956.
• Medicine Park is known for its scenic views and resort-like atmosphere, and was developed in the early 1900s.
• The USGS is known for detailed topographical maps used for purposes such as land use planning and outdoor recreation.
• The map uses distinct color-coded elevation relief, with green indicating vegetation and red/orange showing elevation changes.
• The map highlights mountainous regions, valleys, and dense wooded areas, showing the geographic diversity of the Medicine Park area.
• The region has changed since the map’s publication, including urban development, altered land use, population shifts, and expanded recreational areas.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed 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.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every 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.

With 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 rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.