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1955 Map of Cameo

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Cameo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep path through De Beque Canyon in this mid-century survey of Mesa County. The settlement of Cameo serves as a focal point for industrial activity, anchored by the presence of a Mine and the Cameo Siding along the tracks of the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad. This corridor highlights the critical water infrastructure of the era, featuring the Grand Valley Diversion Dam and the Highline Canal, which transitions into the Orchard Mesa Siphon to move water across the complex terrain.

The landscape is defined by stark elevation changes, from the heights of Bunkwater Ridge and Mount Lincoln down to the alluvial benches of Silvey Flats and Whittaker Flats. Notable hydrological landmarks include the Irrigation District Dam (Abandoned) and numerous drainages like Cottonwood Creek and Rapid Creek. This map documents a period when the river was the primary artery for both transportation and the lifeblood of regional agriculture.