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1996 Map of O V Mesa

Name: 1996 Topographic Map of O V Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2000
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2000

About this map

The Purgatoire River carves a deep path through this portion of Las Animas County, shaping a landscape defined by dramatic relief and isolated landmarks. The northern half of the map is dominated by the Fort Carson Military Reservation (Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site), where the Bent Canyon and Sugarloaf rise above the surrounding terrain. This era of land management reflects a transition from early ranching to military and conservation use, as seen in the presence of the Comanche National Grassland.

Evidence of historical water management in this arid region is found at Pameña Windmill, Mesa Windmill, and Cistern Windmill. Local history is anchored at the Rourke Ranch site along the river, while the O V Mesa overlooks the southern drainages of Chacuaco Creek and Red Rock Canyon. Numerous 4WD tracks trace the canyon rims and valley floors, connecting remote gaps like Pameña Gap across the Black Hills.