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1955 Map of Grand Mesa

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Grand Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Grand Mesa rises as a prominent high-altitude plateau, dominated by an intricate network of man-made water management systems within the Grand Mesa National Forest. During the mid-1950s, this landscape was defined by its dual purpose as a recreational retreat and a vital water catchment area, evidenced by the cluster of religious and administrative landmarks near the settlement of Grand Mesa. Here, the Grand Mesa Christian Association and Columbia Chapel stand alongside the Ward Lake Ranger Sta, marking a hub of seasonal activity.

The terrain is a complex of volcanic tablelands and basins, featuring unique geological markers like The Big Slide and the expansive Webb Flats. Dozens of numbered and named reservoirs, including Big Creek Reservoir No 1 and Bullfinch Reservoirs No 1, reflect a sophisticated 20th-century irrigation and storage infrastructure that transformed the alpine hydrology. The map also captures several Jeep Trails and forest boundaries that delineate the high-country access of the era.