1939 Map of Coal Creek

About this map

The rolling plains of the Adams Co. Arapahoe Co line are defined by a network of seasonal watercourses and early transportation corridors in this late 1930s survey. Much of the activity is centered around Coal Creek and the localized Coal Creek Sch, reflecting a sparse, rural settlement pattern typical of the eastern plains near the Denver border. The Union Pacific railroad tracks and the prominent Airline Road cut across the landscape, marking the essential connectivity for the region's agricultural economy. This map, sponsored by the City and County of Denver and the Denver Board of Water Commissioners, highlights the importance of water management as seen through the detailed topography of First Creek, Murphy Creek, and Senac Creek. It provides a rare look at the drainage patterns before the mid-century expansion of the metropolitan area.