1950 Map of Joe Davis Hill

About this map

Dolores River carves a deep, winding course through this canyon landscape, defining the border between San Miguel and Dolores counties. This 1950 publication, produced in cooperation with the United States Atomic Energy Commission, reflects the intensive postwar exploration for mineral resources in the Colorado Plateau. The concentration of workings like the Norma Jean Mine, Sarah Ellen Mine, and Mucho Grande Mine around Joe Davis Hill points to a busy era of prospecting. In the high ground, Spud Patch Camp and various water sources such as Quakie Spring and Bell Canyon Reservoir supported the local mining and ranching economy. The map also delineates the northern reaches of the San Juan National Forest as it meets the Uncompahgre National Forest near Chico Creek.