1959 Map of Howard

About this map

The Arkansas River corridor serves as the primary artery for transport and industry in this portion of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains during the late 1950s. The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad tracks closely follow the river's winding path, connecting small mountain settlements like Wellsville, Swissvale, and Howard. The presence of several quarries near Calcite and Howard indicates the area's ongoing reliance on mineral extraction, while local civic life is anchored by the Stout Creek Sch, Howard Community Ch, and Howard Cem. To the southwest, the high-altitude terrain of the San Isabel National Forest is mapped with extensive trail systems, including the Rainbow Trail and San Isabel Trail, which wind past prominent summits like Bushnell Peak and Mount Otto. This survey captures a moment when the rugged canyon floor supported a cohesive network of rail-dependent communities and seasonal mountain camps like Hayden Creek Campground.