1955 Map of Black Ridge

About this map

The sheer verticality of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison dominates this mid-century survey, where the Gunnison River carves through the Colorado landscape. On the higher plateaus, Fruitland Mesa represents the agricultural character of the era, supported by an intricate irrigation system including the Fruitland Mesa Ditch and the Scenic Mesa Ditch. The map illustrates a transitional environment where the deep canyons of the river and Smith Fork meet the elevated pasturelands of Pitts Meadow and Pleasant Park. Geologically significant features like Black Ridge and the Red Canyon are clearly delineated alongside industrial remnants such as Lime Kiln Gulch. Water management for this high-desert environment is evident in the presence of Green Mountain Reservoir No 1, which anchors the southeastern portion of the quadrangle near Green Mountain.