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1904 Map of Ouray

Name: 1904 Topographic Map of Ouray
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1904
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1904

About this map

The Ouray mining district at the turn of the century is defined by its deep canyons and the heavy industrial presence of the Denver and Rio Grande RR, which follows the course of the Uncompahgre River. This survey captures the town of Ouray tucked against massive geological formations like The Amphitheater and Cascade Mtn., while smaller settlements such as Portland and Bachelor Switch appear along the rail line to the north.

Resource extraction and mountain travel dominate the landscape, evidenced by the New York Tunnel and the naming of many drainage systems like Cow Creek and Owl Creek. High-altitude landmarks such as Wetterhorn Peak and Courthouse Mt. stand as sentinels on the jagged boundaries between Ouray, Gunnison, and Hinsdale counties. The presence of Hot Springs and Lake Lenore hints at the early recreational and utility infrastructure developed alongside the region’s silver and gold mining interests.