1963 Map of Durango West

About this map

The western edges of Durango and the surrounding high desert terrain define this mid-century survey, where the Animas River flows past the industrial foot of Smelter Mountain. To the west, the landscape is marked by coal mining history along the slopes of Perins Peak and Twin Buttes, featuring clustered operations such as the Sunshine Mine, Victory Mine, and Morning Star Mine. The transportation infrastructure of the era is preserved in the path of the Denver & Rio Grande Western railroad and various stretches of old railroad grade snaking through the canyons.