1955 Map of Silverton

About this map

Silverton serves as the industrial and civic anchor of this San Juan County landscape, situated at the confluence of the Animas River and Cement Creek. In the mid-1950s, the town's mining heritage is evident through a dense network of high-altitude operations and transport lines. The Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad parallels the river, providing a critical link for the region's mineral output. Surrounding peaks like Sultan Mountain and Kendall Mountain are scarred with numerous claims, including the North Star Mine and Scranton City Mine. Facilities such as the Mayflower Mill and Lackawanna Mill highlight the processing infrastructure required for the local economy. The presence of the Hillside Cemetery and various mountain trails suggests a community deeply integrated with its steep, challenging environment, while the Airstrip and U.S. Highway 550 represent the evolving transportation needs of the post-war era.