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1961 Map of Monument

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Monument
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

The United States Air Force Academy occupies the southern portion of this landscape, its expansive grounds situated where the plains meet the foothills of the Front Range. This era captures the transition between established rail corridors and the growing military installation, with the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and Rio Grande Western railroads running parallel through the valley. The towns of Monument and Palmer Lake serve as the primary northern hubs, while the surrounding area is characterized by a high concentration of working ranch lands such as Wissler Ranch, Misty Acres Ranch, and Hardesty Ranch.

To the east, the Black Forest provides a distinct change in vegetation, housing the Black Forest Baptist Assembly. The terrain is dissected by numerous drainages, including Jackson Creek, Monument Creek, and West Cherry Creek, which dictated the early placement of rural landmarks like the Mt Herman Grange and the Cemetery near Palmer Lake. This survey provides a clear look at the intersection of Colorado's ranching heritage and its emerging mid-century military infrastructure.