Published in 1949 by the United States Geological Survey, “Eugene” presents the city and its surrounding Oregon landscape at the authoritative 1:62,500 topographic scale, with no separate survey date recorded. It captures Eugene at a fascinating postwar moment, when American cities were expanding, campuses were growing, and new patterns of roads, neighborhoods, and infrastructure were beginning to reshape the urban edge. The map’s title is elegantly direct, yet the territory it describes is richly varied: a university city set within the Willamette Valley, bordered by waterways, lowlands, wooded areas, and rising ground. As a historical document, it preserves a mid-century view of Eugene before later waves of suburban development transformed much of the region.

The United States Geological Survey, established in 1879, brought a distinctive scientific rigor to American cartography, and this map reflects the institution’s mature topographic style. Rather than emphasizing ornament, the USGS specialized in precision: contour lines, elevation data, watercourses, roads, settlement patterns, and land cover are orchestrated into a clear visual language. On this sheet, the measured geometry of the surveyor meets the natural complexity of western Oregon. Rows of contour lines articulate hills and slopes, while color distinctions help separate low terrain from higher ground. The result is both practical and quietly beautiful, a map made for understanding the land in depth rather than merely locating places upon it.

Eugene itself appears as the principal urban focus, with residential neighborhoods, civic structure, roads, and green areas arranged against the broader grain of the Willamette Valley. The city’s historical identity is inseparable from education and culture, and by 1949 the presence of the university helped shape its intellectual and architectural landscape. The map allows the viewer to see Eugene not simply as a dot on a regional chart, but as a living urban fabric set among creeks, parks, and transportation lines. Its street patterns and developed areas reveal a city in transition: established enough to serve as a regional center, yet still closely connected to the agricultural and natural terrain around it.

Beyond Eugene, the map extends to surrounding places such as Coburg and the courses of local waterways, most notably the Willamette River and Amazon Creek. These features give the sheet much of its geographical character. The Willamette, one of Oregon’s defining rivers, anchors the valley landscape and historically supported settlement, farming, and travel through the region. Amazon Creek, running through the Eugene area, adds a finer thread of local hydrology, showing how drainage and lowland geography influenced the city’s growth. Roads and highways trace the practical connections between town, countryside, and neighboring communities, while possible trails and parklands hint at the region’s enduring relationship with outdoor life.

The map’s topographic character is especially compelling: green tones suggest lower, more open terrain, while brown contouring and shading indicate elevation changes and higher ground. This visual treatment gives immediate shape to the land, allowing the hills, valleys, creek corridors, and urban plain to be read at a glance. For collectors, the appeal lies in the combination of technical accuracy and historical atmosphere. It is a portrait of Eugene before the late twentieth-century expansion of highways, subdivisions, and metropolitan growth, preserving the relationship between city and landscape at a precise moment in time. As a USGS topographic map, it offers both geographic intelligence and a richly evocative view of Oregon’s mid-century Willamette Valley.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Eugene, OR
• Coburg, OR
• Willamette River
• Amazon Creek
• Sandy River
• Roads and highways
• Parks and green areas within and around Eugene
• Residential neighborhoods within the urban area
• Possible trails

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the United States Geological Survey, this historical 1:62,500 topographical map shows Eugene, Oregon and the surrounding area.
• The map is dated 1949; USGS records the publication year as 1949, with no separate imprint year specified.
• The USGS, established in 1879, is known for comprehensive mapping and geological studies across the United States.
• Eugene is noted for its cultural scene, educational institutions, and university campus, adding historical interest to the region.
• The map uses a classic topographical style, with contour lines showing elevation changes and terrain features.
• Green areas represent lower terrain, while brown shading indicates higher elevations.
• The map captures Eugene’s landscape and urban development shortly after World War II, during a period of growth in infrastructure and population.

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.