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1981 Map of Grand Junction

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Grand Junction
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Colorado River and Gunnison River converge at the heart of this 1981 survey, defining the development of the Grand Valley. Irrigation and agricultural patterns are evident in the sprawling orchards and settlements of Orchard Mesa, Palisade, and Fruita. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad follows the river corridor, serving the industrial needs of the Cameo Mine and Palisade Mines near the narrow passage of De Beque Canyon.

North of the valley, the imposing Book Cliffs and Little Book Cliffs rise sharply, creating a dramatic geological boundary. Transportation infrastructure like Interstate 70 and Walker Field reflect the region's growth as a Western Colorado hub. To the south, the protected landscape of the Colorado National Monument preserves a wilderness of canyons and ridges, contrasting with the nearby residential expansion in Redlands and Grand Junction.