1962 Map of De Beque

About this map

The Colorado River carves a critical path through this Western Slope landscape, where the settlement of De Beque serves as a focal point for the region's ranching and transit history. In the early 1960s, the town was already a established hub for the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad, which parallels the river's course. The surrounding geography is defined by a complex network of water management and natural drainages, from the Bluestone Valley and Ditch No 2 to smaller catchments like Piute Reservoir and Sunnyside Reservoir. To the east, the terrain rises sharply toward the White River National Forest, anchored by Horsethief Mountain. This survey captures a moment of mid-century infrastructure, highlighting the importance of routes like the De Beque Cutoff Road and local landmarks like Mount Low in a region where water and rail dictated the shape of development.