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1944 Map of Black Hawk

Name: 1944 Topographic Map of Black Hawk
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

The mining heritage of Gilpin County is deeply etched into this 1940s landscape, centered on the historic mountain settlements of Black Hawk and Central City. Surveyed during the war years, the map reveals a terrain defined by steep gulches and high peaks, where early industrial activity left a lasting mark on the land. Gold mining history is evident in named landmarks like Summit Mine and the many steep ravines such as Russell Gulch and Lake Gulch that fed into North Clear Creek.

Beyond the primary towns, the map documents the rural infrastructure of the era, including Mountain House School and the Bay State School, which served the scattered residents of the foothills. Narrow roads like the Golden Gate Canyon Road and Guy Canyon Road provide the primary arteries through the Arapaho National Forest, connecting isolated ranching outposts like Junction Ranch to the more developed mining districts.