Loading map...

1891 Map of Catlin

Name: 1891 Topographic Map of Catlin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1891
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1891

About this map

The Arkansas River serves as the primary artery for this portion of Otero County, dictating the placement of early settlements and transportation routes. Surveyed in 1889 under A.H. Thompson, the landscape reveals a stark contrast between the riparian corridor and the arid plains. Along the southern bank, the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad links the growing community of Rocky Ford with the settlement at Catlin. Further north, a parallel path is forged by the Missouri Pacific Railroad, connecting stops like Numa, Meredith, and Lolita.

Away from the rail lines, the map documents the isolated outposts of the early cattle era, such as Lone Tree Ranch and Nine Mile Camp. The topography is defined by significant landmarks like Antelope Mesa and Nero Hill, while the confluence of the Apishapa River and the Arkansas highlights the region's essential hydrology. These early place names and ranching camps offer a clear view of Colorado's plains before widespread irrigation transformed the valley's economy.