1893 Map of Anthracite

About this map

Irwin and Ruby sit at the center of this mountain landscape, marking a period of intense high-altitude activity in the West Elk Range. The map illustrates the industrial reach of the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad, which extends northward along Ohio Creek toward Baldwin and Mt Carbon P.O.. This late-nineteenth-century survey captures the region's topographical complexity, from the serrated heights of the Ruby Range to the coal-bearing prominence of Anthracite Mesa. Transport routes like the White River Trail navigate the steep drainages of Anthracite Creek and Dark Cañon, while mining-era settlements such as Pittsburg and Elkton are positioned near the glacial basins and peaks like Augusta Mt and Purple Peak. The drainage patterns of the Slate River and its numerous gulches reflect the challenging terrain that early surveyors and prospectors encountered.