1961 Map of Durango

About this map

The San Juan Mountains dominate this landscape, where the Continental Divide winds through high-altitude mining districts and timberlands. In the mid-20th century, the Denver & Rio Grande Western RR remained a critical link for settlements like Silverton and Durango, following the course of the Animas River. The map illustrates a complex water management system essential to the region, featuring the Vallecito Reservoir, Continental Reservoir, and Platoro Reservoir. To the south, the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and Jicariila Apache Indian Reservation define the transition from the high peaks to the Florida Mesa. This survey captures the connectivity between isolated mountain towns like Ophir, Rico, and Creede before modern highway expansions altered the character of these remote mining corridors.