1952 Map of Rifle

About this map

The city of Rifle sits at the heart of this mid-century survey, positioned where Rifle Creek joins the Colorado River. The landscape is defined by its dramatic topography, with high plateaus like Hubbard Mesa, Taughenbaugh Mesa, and Grass Mesa overlooking the river valley. The industrial character of the era is evident through the presence of the Vanadium Mill and the expansive Naval Oil Shale Reserve that occupies the northwestern portion of the map. This reserve, marked by a network of gulches such as Doodlebug Gulch and Yellow Slide Gulch, points to the region's long-standing importance to national energy and mineral interests. Transportation is dominated by the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad corridor and the winding Government Road, which facilitate movement through this complex terrain of mesas and deep-cut drainages like Government Creek.