1972 Map of Riley Canyon

About this map

The Purgatoire River carves a deep, winding path through the high plains of southern Colorado, defining the landscape of the border between Otero and Las Animas Counties. In the early 1970s, this area remained largely dominated by ranching and remote infrastructure, evidenced by landmarks like the Girard Windmill and Little Windmill. The presence of the Penitenta Ch and the Martinez Cem in the northeast corner, near the Ninemile Valley, points to the long-standing localized settlements that persisted even as much of the surrounding territory was defined by canyon drainages like Riley Canyon and Withers Canyon. Water remains the central character of the map, from the Gaging Sta on the river to isolated spots like Rock Waterhole and Antone Spring, which provided essential resources in an otherwise arid environment.