1965 Map of Crawford

About this map

Crawford serves as the central hub of this western Colorado landscape, situated just north of the expansive Crawford Reservoir. The town's agricultural foundations are evident in the complex irrigation network of the Clipper Ditch and View Siphon, which redirect water across the high mesas. To the east, the terrain rises sharply toward Saddle Mountain and the Gunnison National Forest, while distinctive volcanic landmarks like Needle Rock punctuate the Missouri Flats. South of the reservoir, the small settlement of Maher sits near the headwaters of Alkali Creek, marking the transition into the livestock-focused lands of Fruitland Mesa. This survey, compiled from 1964 photography and updated in the late 1970s, captures the region's reliance on water management through the Crawford Dam and numerous Gaging Stations along the Smith Fork.