1892 Map of Huerfano Park

About this map

Blanca Peak anchors the southwestern corner of this topographic survey, which captures the high-altitude landscape of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the late nineteenth century. The drainage patterns of the Huerfano River and its numerous tributaries, such as Pass Creek and Muddy Creek, define the settlement patterns of early Colorado. Small mountain communities and post offices like Gardner, Malachite, and Badito are established along these watercourses, while the southern portion of the map is dominated by the strategic path of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. This rail line skirts the base of La Veta Peak and Dump Mt, navigating the steep terrain of the La Veta Pass. The presence of Placer and various gulches like Grayback Gulch indicates the region's early mining activity, while high passes such as Mosca Pass and Music Pass reveal the primitive road network used before modern highways pierced these summits.