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1922 Map of Paradox Valley

Name: 1922 Topographic Map of Paradox Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1922
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1922

About this map

The San Miguel River and Dolores River carve through this Colorado landscape, revealing an era of intense resource extraction and early settlement. The map documents the carnotite mining boom, showing numerous mineral-related camps such as Julian Camp, Long Park Camp, and Thunderbolt Camp scattered across the mesas. The presence of the Cashin Mine and Cliffdweller Mine alongside the Pittsburgh Mill underscores the industrial activity that sustained local hubs like Naturita and Nucla.

Agricultural development is evident in the Paradox Valley, where the Paradox Ditch and Radium Ditch diverted water to arid flats. Rural social life is anchored by landmarks like the Radium School and Cedar Grove School, while unique features like the Coke Ovens reflect the specialized processing required for the region's ores. The geography ranges from the wide Sinbad Valley to the heights of the Uncompahgre National Forest, providing a look at the remote canyon country before modern infrastructure.