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1959 Map of Cotopaxi

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Cotopaxi
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

The Arkansas River carves a deep path through this mid-century Colorado landscape, serving as the primary corridor for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The settlement of Cotopaxi sits at the junction of several drainage gulches, functioning as a focal point for the surrounding high-altitude terrain. Local industry and infrastructure are evident in the presence of an Iron Quarry and smaller mines scattered among the peaks, reflecting the area's extractive history.

Southern portions of the map transition into the San Isabel National Forest, where the terrain rises toward Baldy Peak and Democratic Mtn. Notable landmarks for local historians include the Iron Dollar Cabin and the Rainbow Trail, which winds through the southern foothills. Community life is centered near Hillside Sch and the Hillside Cem, while the Trails End Ranch marks a more secluded settlement pattern away from the river canyon.