United States Geological Survey Topographic Maps & Sumpter Valley Railway Research Archive Lot

Various (U.S. Geological Survey; Sumpter Valley Railway ephemera)

United States Geological Survey / Various

Latest date mentioned on maps is 1965

A grouped lot of large-format 21 x 17 inch folded USGS topographic maps together with assorted railroad-related ephemera and handwritten research notes. The maps show typical fold lines from prior storage and light edge wear consistent with use. Paper remains supple and clean overall with no major tears observed in the photographed examples. The black-and-white railway map and booklet pages show mild toning and light handling wear. Handwritten notes are on lined paper and yellow legal sheets with pencil writing, neatly executed and legible. No excessive staining, brittleness, or structural damage noted in the materials shown.

The color maps are classic USGS quadrangle sheets printed in green, pink, and blue relief with contour lines, grid markings, and marginal data blocks. Regions visible include Wenatchee National Forest, Chiwaukum Mountains, Leavenworth, and portions of Oregon near Sumpter and Baker City. Included as well is a black-and-white “Sumpter Valley Railway and Logging Lines” map, period advertising reprints from Sumpter, Oregon businesses, a Nol snow special promotional card featuring a steam locomotive in winter, and detailed locomotive and rolling stock dimension notes referencing boilers, domes, axles, and car types. The material reads as a cohesive working research archive assembled for railroad history or model reconstruction purposes.

Taken together, this is a compact Pacific Northwest railroad history archive centered on the Sumpter Valley Railway. The combination of government-issued topographic mapping, regional railway line diagrams, early commercial advertising material, and meticulous handwritten locomotive specifications suggests a serious historical or modeling project. While individual USGS sheets are common, the curated railroad focus gives the lot a cohesive and appealing identity. Material of this sort surfaces irregularly and often disperses; offered intact, it preserves the character of the original working archive.

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