1908 Map of La Plata

About this map

The Rio Grande Southern R. R. winds through the southern reaches of this landscape, connecting the coal and precious metal operations of the high mountains to broader markets. At the dawn of the twentieth century, the economy here is defined by resource extraction, anchored by industrial sites like the Columbus Mine and the Ute Coal Mine. Processing facilities such as the Little Kate Mill and Baker Contact Mill sit tucked within steep basins, while small rail stops like Hesperus and Ute Junction serve as logistical hubs. North of the rail line, the Montezuma National Forest protects a series of high peaks including Hesperus Peak and Sharkstooth. The western portion of the map is dominated by the forks of the Mancos River, providing a stark contrast to the concentrated mining activity found along the La Plata River to the east.