1969 Map of Leadville South

About this map

The Arkansas River and the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad corridor define the valley floor in this study of high-altitude industry and settlement. The southern reaches of Leadville give way to specialized company landscapes like Stringtown and the cluster of mining operations on Carbonate Hill and Iron Hill. Heavy mineral extraction is evident through the extensive system of gulches, including California Gulch and Stray Horse Gulch, which are lined with heritage sites like the Adelaide (Site) and the Resurrection Mill (Site). Large-scale infrastructure such as Tailings Ponds, the Malta Substa, and the County Airport reflects the mid-century industrial footprint. On the valley's western edge, the San Isabel National Forest provides a sharp transition from the engineered mining districts to the more natural drainages of Halfmoon Creek and the Mt Massive Lakes.