2019 Map of Crawford

About this map

Crawford and the surrounding high country of Delta Co and Montrose Co reveal a landscape defined by an intricate network of irrigation and the peaks of the West Elk Mountains. The town is situated on a plateau where the Grand View Ditch and Fruitland Mesa Ditch suggest a long history of water management essential for ranching and agriculture in this environment. To the east, the terrain rises sharply into the Gunnison National Forest, dominated by Saddle Mtn and the distinct volcanic plug of Needle Rock. For genealogists, the map identifies the Crawford Cem near town and the more isolated Collins Family Cem overlooking the Clear Fork. The presence of the Gould Canal and Cattlemans Ditch further south near Maher illustrates how early settlers utilized every available water source from the Smith Fork and Crawford Reservoir to sustain their livestock and homesteads on the Missouri Flats.