1956 Map of Montrose

About this map

The Gunnison River and its major tributaries anchor this mid-century look at West-Central Colorado, following the transition from the high peaks of the Sawatch Mountains down to the fruit-growing benches of Rogers Mesa. The landscape is dominated by massive public lands, including the Gunnison National Forest and Grand Mesa National Forest, which surround mining hubs and river towns. Of particular note is the Blue Mesa Reservoir, appearing during the era of major water reclamation projects along the Gunnison. The transportation network is defined by the Denver & Rio Grande Western RR, which connects the coal-producing area of Somerset and the silver legacy of Ouray to the wider region. High-elevation settlements like Crested Butte and Gunnison serve as focal points for the ranching and resource extraction economy that shaped the Continental Divide's western slope.