1954 Map of Mt Linnaeus

About this map

Chippean National Forest dominates this mid-century survey of the high desert and canyon country of San Juan County. Remote outposts such as Wilson Ranch, Kelly Ranch, and Bayles Ranch are tucked into the drainages of Cottonwood Creek and Shay Canyon, illustrating the survival of cattle and sheep operations in a terrain defined by massive uplifts like Shay Mtn and Mt Linnaeus. The presence of Cliff Dwellings and landmarks like Skull and Crossbones and The Wilderness suggests a landscape where ancient habitation and geographic isolation intersect.