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1959 Map of Royal Gorge

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Royal Gorge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Arkansas River carves a dramatic course through the McIntyre Hills on this 1959 survey, anchored by the engineering marvel of the Royal Gorge. While the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad follows the river's edge, the map also captures several vanished points of interest, including Sunset City (Site), Yorkville (Site), and Galena (Site). These sites, alongside the Adamic Cow Camp, speak to the ephemeral nature of early mining and ranching outposts in this portion of the San Isabel National Forest.

Industrial and institutional landmarks dot the landscape, from the State Penitentiary near the eastern edge to the Iron Mountain Mine and various quarries. Geographers and local historians can trace the transition from the high ridges of Tanner Peak down to the creek-side settlements at Parkdale. The presence of an Aqueduct and the Miniature RR near the gorge highlight the area's dual identity as both a resource-heavy industrial zone and a significant early destination for sightseeing.