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1981 Map of Howard

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Howard
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Arkansas River corridor defines this portion of Fremont County, serving as the primary artery for both transportation and settlement in the early 1980s. The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks parallel the river's winding path, passing through the community of Howard and the small siding at Vallie. Local civic life is anchored by the Howard Co Sch, the Howard Cem, and the communal Rodeo Ground.

Beyond the valley floor, the landscape rises sharply into the San Isabel National Forest, where steep gulches like Alkali Gulch and Sand Gulch drain the heights of Copper Mountain and Burned Timber Mountain. Numerous mines and prospects are scattered throughout these hills, particularly near Kiln Gulch, indicating a history of mineral exploration. High-altitude access is maintained via the Rainbow Trail and various unnamed jeep and pack trails, while the remnants of an Old RR Grade hint at an evolving rail network.