1954 Map of Larkspur

About this map

Plum Creek and its various forks carve through this Douglas County landscape, where the high plains meet the eastern ramparts of the Pike National Forest. The map reflects a mid-century period of transition, with agricultural life at Perry Park South Ranch and Green Valley Ranch existing alongside the critical rail corridors of the Denver and Rio Grande Western and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe. This transportation network serves the concentrated settlements of Larkspur and Palmer Lake, the latter straddling the southern boundary with El Paso County. Prominent geographic features like Raspberry Butte, Monkey Face, and Spruce Mountain provide vertical contrast to the drainage basins of Metz Canyon and Stone Canyon. The inclusion of the Community Church in Larkspur and the isolated Swank Cabin to the south offers specific points of interest for those documenting early Colorado mountain community footprints.