2010 Map of Cornelia

About this map

The Arkansas River forms the central artery of this agricultural landscape in Bent County, where an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure defines the local geography. Significant water management features including the Fort Lyon Canal, Consolidated Ditch, and Las Animas Town Ditch trace the river's path, supporting the rural settlements of Marlman, Cornelia, and Riverdale. To the north, Dawn Reservoir is held by Dawn Dam, while the Marlman Quarry sits near the upper reaches of Adobe Creek. In the southern portion of the map, the Picketwire Valley opens up, intersected by numerous county roads that follow the section lines of the high plains. This map illustrates the vital intersection of river-based irrigation and high-plains ranching, preserving the names of the small communities and complex ditch systems that sustain the region's economy.