1952 Map of Anvil Points

About this map

The Naval Oil Shale Reserve dominates this high-altitude landscape of Garfield County, documenting a critical era in American energy research following World War II. The map highlights the extensive operations of the Anvil Points Oil Shale Mines and the Bureau of Mines Oil Shale Experiment Station, including a dedicated Tank Farm and housing at Glover Park. This industrial activity is set against the dramatic geography of the Roan Plateau and the sheer Roan Cliffs, where landmarks like East Anvil Point and West Anvil Point overlook the valley floor. To the southeast, the terrain softens toward Webster Mesa and the D & R G W railroad line, illustrating the logistical connections between the remote extraction sites and the broader regional infrastructure.