1955 Map of Cameo

About this map

Colorado River hydraulics and industrial infrastructure dominate this mid-century survey of the rugged De Beque Canyon corridor. The settlement of Cameo serves as a focal point for the region's energy and transport networks, featuring a Power Plant, a Mine, and Cameo Siding along the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad. The map meticulously documents the complex water management systems essential to the area, including the Grand Valley Diversion Dam, the Government Highline Canal, and the Orchard Mesa Siphon. High terrain features such as Mount Lincoln and Bunkwater Ridge overlook the winding river valley. These engineering details, from the Gaging Sta to various tunnels and cables, illustrate the intensive mid-century efforts to harness the river for power and irrigation in Mesa County's challenging topography.