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1908 Map of Durango

Name: 1908 Topographic Map of Durango
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1946
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1946

About this map

Durango serves as the industrial and logistical hub of this turn-of-the-century mountain landscape, defined by the convergence of heavy industry and vital water routes. The Animas River corridor dictates the region's geography, flanked by the Animas Valley Consolidated R. R. and the Denver and Silverton Line. This network supported intensive resource extraction, evidenced by the Durango Smelter near the riverbanks and the Boston Coal Mine tucked into the foothills near Perins Pk.

Away from the central settlement, the map reveals a system of smaller communities and rural infrastructure, including Pinkerton Hot Springs and the Old Fish Hatchery. The rugged terrain of the San Juan area is deeply etched with gulches and peaks like Animas City Mtn., while agricultural interests appear in the southern portion near Florida Mesa and the John Reed Ditch. Early transportation landmarks, such as Baker Bridge and the Rio Grande Southern R. R., highlight how commerce moved through these high-altitude canyons.