1949 Map of Platteville

About this map

The South Platte River carves a broad valley through this portion of Weld County, where a complex network of irrigation ditches supported a productive agricultural corridor by mid-century. Centered on Platteville, the landscape is defined by its reliance on water rights and rail transport, with the Union Pacific railroad running parallel to the river. Evidence of early frontier history is marked at the Site of Old Fort Vasquez, located just south of the main settlement. Small communities and loading points like Ione, Vollmar, Maddux, and Moore dot the rail line and riverbanks, reflecting the rural density of the era. The extensive ditch system, including the Evans No 2 Canal, Beeman Ditch, and Fulton Extension Ditch, illustrates the massive engineering efforts required to reclaim the high plains for farming. Notable local landmarks for genealogists include Mizpah Cem and St Francis Cemetery.