1955 Map of Silverton

About this map

Silverton serves as the industrial and transportation hub for this portion of the San Juan Mountains, situated at the confluence of the Animas River and Cement Creek. During the mid-1950s, the town remained deeply tied to its mining roots, evidenced by the numerous operations lining the steep gulches, such as the Mayflower Mill, Lackawanna Mill, and the Idaho Mine. The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad corridor tracks alongside the river, providing the critical link for transporting ore from high-altitude sites like the Molas Mine and Aspen Mine. Beyond the town center, the landscape is defined by massive peaks including Sultan Mountain and Kendall Mountain. To the north, the settlement of Chattanooga sits along Mineral Creek, while an Aerial Tramway and Airstrip indicate the evolving methods of navigating this vertical terrain. Genealogists may also find interest in the location of Hillside Cem overlooking the valley floor.