1950 Map of Northgate

About this map

North Platte River waters carve through this high-altitude landscape along the Colorado and Wyoming border, where the river meets the Canadian River in a complex drainage network. The 1950 field survey reveals a high-country economy driven by ranching and mineral extraction, centered on the settlement of Northgate and the Quaintance Ranch. Industrial activity is concentrated near the mountain slopes, with the Fluorspar Mine, Gero Tunnel, and Camp Creek Mine indicating the search for valuable ores in the surrounding peaks. A sophisticated irrigation system, including the Cumberland Ditch and Union DITCH, demonstrates the era's commitment to water management for agriculture. Elevations shift dramatically from the river bottom to prominent heights like Watson Mtn, Sentinel Mountain, and Dean Peak, all while crossing the boundaries of the Routt National Forest and Medicine Bow National Forest.