1945 Map of Durango

About this map

The San Juan Mountains and the winding Continental Divide anchor this mid-century look at Southwest Colorado, a region defined by high-altitude mining legacies and river headwaters. The industrial reach of the Denver and Rio Grande Western RR is evident as it connects isolated mountain outposts like Silverton, Eureka, and Animas Forks to the valley hub of Durango. In the north, the headwaters of the Rio Grande flow from the Rio Grande Reservoir past Creede and Wason, while to the south, the Southern Ute Indian Reservation spans the drainages of the Florida River, Animas River, and Los Pinos River. This map details the mid-century transition from a rail-dependent mining economy to one of increased water management and recreation, marked by the presence of Vallecito Reservoir and Platoro Reservoir.