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1967 Map of Liberty

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Liberty
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

High-altitude desert and alpine forest meet at the edge of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, where the steep slopes of the Rio Grande National Forest descend into the San Luis Valley. The map documents the sparse settlements of Liberty and Duncan, remnants of an era defined by resource extraction and high-country ranching. Evidence of early industry remains visible through a Mine and Prospect located near the headwaters of Short Creek.

This 1967 survey captures the intersection of several distinct land grants and boundaries, including the Luis Maria Baca No 4 and an Indefinite Boundary running through the northern peaks. Drainage systems like Sand Creek and Medano Creek provide vital water in this arid landscape, while a lonely Grave situated near the dunes serves as a poignant reminder of the homesteading families who once navigated these difficult transition zones between sand and stone.