1929 Map of Roan Creek

About this map

Book Plateau and the surrounding high-altitude geography of western Colorado define this 1920s topography, showing a landscape shaped by drainage basins and early industrial interest. The Index Shale Plant stands as a significant industrial marker in a region otherwise characterized by isolated homesteads like Wilcoxson Ranch and Goslin Ranch. To the south, the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad tracks follow the corridor of the Colorado River, connecting the remote draws and ridges to larger markets. Education in this ranching country was localized, as evidenced by the distribution of the Kimball Creek Sch, Conn Creek Sch, and Dry Fork Sch. The terrain is deeply incised by numerous seasonal and permanent watercourses, including Roan Creek and Alkali Canyon, which dictated the placement of early routes such as the Beer Park Trail and the eponymous Wagon Track Ridge.