1963 Map of La Plata

About this map

Arroyo La Plata and the La Plata River form the lifeblood of this high-desert region on the border of Colorado and New Mexico. The valley is defined by an intricate network of irrigation systems such as Mefford Wall Ditch and Highland Park Ditch, which support the settlement at La Plata and the Laplata PO. To the west, the landscape rises toward Conger Mesa, carved by numerous drainages like Canyon Coalbank and Arroyo North Jones. This mid-century survey documents the transition between agricultural ranching life, seen at Two Cross Ranch, and the region's industrial footprint. Evidence of resource extraction is scattered across the terrain, from the Morgan Mines and Pratt Mine to various gravel pits and numerous gas wells. Local history is anchored by the La Plata Cem and Greenhorn Cem, while the northern boundary reaches into the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.