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1894 Map of Anthracite

Name: 1894 Topographic Map of Anthracite
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1894
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1894

About this map

Mining settlements and high-altitude basins dominate this 1894 landscape, where the rugged peaks of the West Elk Range meet the industrial aspirations of the late nineteenth century. Irwin and Ruby sit as significant nodes of activity near Lake Brennan, while the Mt Carbon P.O. and Baldwin anchor the southern reaches near the terminus of the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad. The map reveals an intricate network of drainage systems and summits, from the Slate River in the east to the Slopes of Ragged Mountain in the northwest.

Researchers can trace the early transit corridors through the mountains, including the White River Trail and various unnamed paths that connected remote camps like Elkton and Pittsburgh. The topography is defined by its deep basins and sharp dividers, such as Scarp Ridge and the Anthracite Range, illustrating the physical challenges faced by prospectors and rail engineers during this era of silver and coal exploration.