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1958 Map of Jefferson

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Jefferson
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1995
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1995

About this map

The Continental Divide serves as a natural boundary along the high peaks of the Arapaho National Forest and Pike National Forest in this 1950s survey. Lower elevations reveal a landscape of high-altitude ranching and early commerce centered around the settlement of Jefferson and the surrounding valley. Family-named properties like the Wahl Ranch, Steiner Ranch, and the Liesburg Homestead (Aban'd) indicate the homesteading history of the South Park region.

Transport and water management are key themes, shown through the Old Railroad Grade near Kenosha Pass and the winding Guernsey Ditch. The presence of a Historical Monument (South Park) suggests the area's recognized significance even during this era of mapping. From the secluded waters of Jefferson Lake to the headwaters of the North Fork South Platte River, the map documents a transition from wild alpine terrain to managed pastoral lands.