1927 Map of Parachute Creek

About this map

The Naval Oil Shale Reserve dominates this 1920s landscape, reflecting an era when federal energy security was focused on the strategic potential of the Western Slope's oil shale deposits. Located along the boundary of Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties, the area is defined by the massive Book Cliffs and a complex drainage network feeding into Parachute Creek. Remote outposts such as Columbia Shale Camp and Washington Shale Camp indicate the early industrial presence in these deep canyons, while Granlee School and family-named landmarks like Granlee Gulch and Summers Cabin point to the scattered ranching and homesteading families who inhabited the high plateaus. Historic movement through the terrain is marked by the Eaton Trail, connecting the high ridges above Willow Creek and Bear Creek to the valley floors.