1966 Map of Cortez

About this map

Mesa Verde National Park anchors the southeastern landscape of this mid-century survey, surrounded by the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Indian Reservations. The high desert terrain is defined by the massive Comb Ridge and the San Juan River basin, where the Navajo Indian Reservation extends into the southern reaches. In the north, the Abajo Mountains and Manti-La Sal National Forest offer a stark contrast to the canyon-cut mesas below. Small farming and ranching communities like Yellow Jacket, Pleasant View, and Cahone dot the agricultural lands north of Cortez, while the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad winds through the eastern peaks near Mancos. The map also highlights academic and cultural landmarks, including Fort Lewis A&M College and the prehistoric significance of Hovenweep National Monument and Yucca House National Monument.