Loading map...

1956 Map of Hartsel

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Hartsel
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Hartsel serves as the central hub of this high-elevation ranching region, where the Middle Fork South Platte River and South Fork South Platte River converge. The 1950s landscape is defined by an extensive network of irrigation ditches, such as Fehringer Ditch No 1 and the Big Thompson Ditch, which support several established homesteads including the Santa Maria Ranch and Turner Ranch.

Evidence of historical infrastructure is visible through the Old Railroad Grade passing near the Bathouse and Hot Spring. The terrain transitions from the prominent Reinecker Ridge in the west to the slopes of Bald Hill in the north. This survey captures the mid-century ranching economy, from the Cotton Sheep Camp to the headquarters of the Hartsel Ranch, illustrating how water management and rail access shaped this part of Park County.