1953 Map of Mount Wilson

About this map

Silver Pick Mine and the Rock of Ages Mine sit high above the basins of the San Miguel Mountains in this early 1950s survey. The landscape is defined by its verticality and the industrial infrastructure required to extract ore from peaks like Wilson Peak and Mount Wilson. Near the settlement of Ames, the Butterfly Mine remains in operation, while an Aerial Tramway and the Old Butterfly Mine mark the shifting economics of the district. The southern portion of the sheet follows the Dolores River and an Old Railroad Grade past the abandoned Coal Mine and Coke Oven, illustrating the transition from high-altitude hard rock mining to the coal and rail operations in the valley. Moving across Lizard Head Pass, the terrain transitions between the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests, following historic routes like the Highline Stock Driveway.