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1959 Map of Moab

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Moab
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Moab sits at the heart of this mid-century landscape, a junction for river travel and desert commerce before the massive growth of modern recreation. The survey documents a critical era for the Paradox Valley and the Uncompahgre Plateau, highlighting the industrial significance of Uranium and Vanadium mining during the height of the Cold War boom. Small river outposts and mining centers like Uravan and Nucla are detailed alongside the remote tracks of the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad.

Canyon country landmarks such as Dead Horse Point, Upheaval Dome, and the rock formations of The Windows Section within Arches National Monument are meticulously mapped. The convergence of the Colorado River and the Dolores River defines the drainage patterns of the high desert, while the peaks of the La Sal Mountains, including Mount Peale, provide a stark vertical contrast to the surrounding mesas and flats.