1964 Map of Lemon Reservoir

About this map

Lemon Reservoir dominates this high-altitude landscape in the mid-1960s, held by the newly constructed Lemon Dam along the Florida River. This survey captures the area shortly after the reservoir’s completion, showing the inundation of the river valley and the creation of recreation sites like Lemon Dam Campground and Florida Campground. The surrounding terrain within the San Juan National Forest is a complex network of canyons and high parks, including Horse Thief Park and Wallace Park, which suggest a history of seasonal grazing and timber management. Along the western edge, the prominent Missionary Ridge rises above several creek drainages, while the northeastern corner reveals the high-mountain geography of Carbonate Basin and Miller Mountain. The presence of a Mission and various campgrounds indicates the transition of this area from a remote watershed to a managed federal forest used for both water storage and public recreation.