1952 Map of Rio Blanco

About this map

Rio Blanco School sits near the northern boundary of this western Colorado landscape, marking a localized center for the sparse settlement pattern along the high-country drainage. The map highlights the significant presence of the Naval Oil Shale Reserve, which dominates the southern portion of the quadrangle. This area reflects a mid-century period when industrial energy interests were firmly etched into the public land use of the region, evidenced by the Rio Blanco Mine (Inactive) located along the upper reaches of the drainage system.