1972 Map of O V Mesa

About this map

Purgatoire River meanders through a labyrinth of deep canyons and mesas in this 1970s topographical record. The landscape is defined by its isolation and the necessity of water management, evidenced by features like the Pamena Windmill and Cistern Windmill dotting the arid terrain. Settlement in this corner of Las Animas County is sparse, centering on the Rourke Ranch located near the riverbank. Historical evidence of habitation persists through labeled Ruins in the northern Bent Canyon and a lone Cem tucked into a canyon fold. The geography is characterized by prominent elevations such as O V Mesa and the Black Hills, while access is limited to a network of Jeep Trails and the historic Sugar Trail, suggesting a rugged ranching economy and a difficult environment for travel.