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1983 Map of Salida West

Name: 1983 Topographic Map of Salida West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

The confluence of the Arkansas River and the South Arkansas River serves as the focal point for this 1983 survey of the Chaffee County landscape. The topography transitions from the high peaks of the San Isabel National Forest down into the broad, flat basins of Adobe Park and Missouri Park. These parks are crisscrossed by a complex network of irrigation infrastructure, including the Harrington Ditch, Kraft Ditch, and Del Monte Ditch, reflecting the area's agricultural reliance on mountain snowmelt.

Transportation and industry are deeply etched into the terrain, following the natural corridors carved by the rivers. The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad parallels the water, connecting the industrial outskirts of Smeltertown and the residential blocks of Salida and Poncha Springs. Historic markers of community life are visible throughout, from the Shavano State Fish Hatchery and Harriet Alexander Field to the Fairview Cem and several unnamed Mines tucked into the gulches.