1895 Map of Aspen

About this map

Aspen is established at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Hunter Creek during a period of intense silver extraction in the late nineteenth century. This 1893 survey details the industrial footprint of the district, showing the concentration of mineral works such as the Molly Gibson Mine and the Park Regent Mine flanking the town site, with the Holden Works situated to the west. The landscape is defined by deep glacial valleys and soaring peaks, including Maroon Peak and Castle Peak, which hem in the narrow corridors of commerce and transportation. The arrival of the Denver and Rio Grande R. R. (Aspen Br.) and the A. T. and S. F. R. R. (Colorado Midland Div.) illustrates the competition between rail lines to reach these high-altitude silver deposits. Further south, the map documents the smaller settlements of Highland and Ashcroft along Castle Creek, where the Montezuma Mine and Little Annie Mine highlight the reach of the mining boom into the surrounding White River National Forest.