1960 Map of Montrose

About this map

The Gunnison River and its major forks dominate this mid-century portrait of West-Central Colorado, where high-altitude settlements follow the drainage basins of the Uncompahgre Valley and the San Luis Valley. The landscape is a complex network of public lands, including the Gunnison National Forest and the Uncompahgre National Forest, which surround mining and agricultural hubs like Gunnison and Ouray. Transportation in the era is defined by the Denver & Rio Grande Western RR and early mountain passages like State Route 149 and U.S. 50. Notable landmarks include the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and the dramatic spine of the Continental Divide. Smaller mining-related features, such as a Uranium prospect and the town of Bonanza, indicate the continued industrial interest in these mineral-rich ranges.