1911 Map of Montrose

About this map

Montrose and Ouray anchor this turn-of-the-century landscape, connected by the vital corridor of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The terrain transitions from the wide expanses of Spring Creek Mesa in the north to the high-altitude peaks of the Uncompahgre National Forest in the south. Along the Uncompahgre River, small settlements and ranching hubs like Ridgway, Colona, and Thomas Ranch trace the valley floor. The map highlights the early industrial footprint of the region, from the Blaine Mine near the southern border to a Sawmill in the L O G H I L L M E S A. Remote mountain outposts such as Bachelor Switch and Dallas Divide reflect the era's reliance on rail transport to navigate the high passes of the San Juan Mountains.