1904 Map of Nepesta

About this map

The Arkansas River corridor serves as the industrial and agricultural lifeline for this portion of the Colorado plains at the turn of the century. Parallel rail lines, the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe R. R. and the Missouri Pacific R. R., flank the river, supporting a string of settlements including Vineland, Avondale, and Boone. Irrigation infrastructure is highly developed, with the Excelsior Ditch and Highland Canal drawing water from the river to support local agriculture and the Bessemer Reservoir. Away from the river valley, the landscape is defined by vast cattle operations like the Skinner and Tabor Ranch and Tolle Ranch. To the south, the Huerfano River flows past the Hooker Hills and the remote settlement of Undercliffe, illustrating the early ranching footprint in Pueblo and Otero Counties.