Loading map...

1923 Map of Elkhead Creek

Name: 1923 Topographic Map of Elkhead Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

Routt National Forest dominates the northern landscape of this 1923 survey, where timbered heights like Slide Mtn and Pinnacle Mtn overlook a complex network of ranching and mining drainages. The Denver and Salt Lake railroad corridor follows the Yampa River in the south, providing a vital industrial link for the region's early coal extraction. This era of development is marked by several active operations along the hills, including the Bridges Mine, Seymour Mine, and Star Mine.

Local life in the early twentieth century centered on a remarkable density of rural schoolhouses situated at nearly every major creek junction. Genealogists can trace family connections to institutions such as the Upper Elkhead School, Cottonwood School, and Bear Creek School. The map also captures the early administrative footprint of the forest service at the Bears Ears Ranger Station, located near the headwaters of Agner Creek.