1949 Map of Anderson Mesa

About this map

The Dolores River carves a dramatic, winding path through this Colorado landscape, featuring the sharp horseshoe turn at Muleshoe Bend. This 1949 field-checked survey reveals an area defined by its mineral prospects and topographic extremes, where the border of Montrose and San Miguel counties cuts across the high plateaus of Anderson Mesa and Skein Mesa. Early mid-century uranium and vanadium exploration is evident through the presence of Morning Star Mine, The Raven Mine, and the Gyp Mine located near Little Gypsum Valley. The map detail shows essential water sources for cattle and mining in this arid environment, such as Skein Spring Reservoir and East Island Mesa Spring. Notable landmarks like The Hat and Silveys Pocket provide distinct navigational points within the complex canyon and wash systems.