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1917 Map of Del Norte

Name: 1917 Topographic Map of Del Norte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1917
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1917

About this map

Del Norte and Monte Vista anchor this portion of the San Luis Valley during a period of significant agricultural expansion. The landscape is defined by the transition from the high Cochetopa Mountains and Garita National Forest in the west to the meticulously gridded valley floor. This flatland is heavily dependent on a complex network of man-made waterways including the Farmers Union Ditch, Travelers Canal, and Blanco Ditch, reflecting the intensive irrigation required for farming at this high elevation.

A remarkably high density of rural schoolhouses, such as Noffsinger School, Milliner School, and Wurtz School, points to a thriving community of homesteaders. The Denver and Rio Grande railroad tracks follow the Rio Grande river, facilitating the transport of goods and livestock from settlements like Parma and Sevenmile Plaza. Of particular note for local historians is the State Fish Hatchery located just south of the river and the perfectly straight Gunbarrel Road cutting north through the valley.