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1959 Map of Aztec

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Aztec
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

The Animas River flows south from the Colorado border through a landscape defined by intricate canyon systems and early water management. Just north of Aztec, the Aztec Ruins Nat Mon marks a significant cultural site near the river banks. This late-1950s landscape is deeply tied to the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad, which follows the river's path, connecting small communities like Riverside, Cedar Hill, and Inca.

Agricultural development is evident through an extensive network of irrigation projects, including the Lower Farmers Ditch, Citizens DITCH, and Western Ditch. The map details rugged local landmarks such as Bushelberger Mesa and Knickerbocker Peaks, alongside family-named features like Graves Atterberry. In the southeast, the San Juan River enters the frame near Turley, showing the confluence of these critical waterways during a period of steady regional growth.