1971 Map of South Rattlesnake Butte

About this map

South Rattlesnake Butte dominates the northern horizon of this landscape along the Huerfano and Las Animas county line. In the early 1970s, this area remained a sparsely populated rangeland characterized by deep drainage systems like Romer Canyon and Jones Lake Canyon. The presence of the South Butte School indicates a decentralized community of ranching families who relied on a network of water improvements for their livestock. Windmills and water tanks are the primary signs of human infrastructure, including the Sanchez Windmill, Cordova Windmill, and West Donner Windmill. Notable natural water sources such as Big Dripping Spring and Arroyo Spring puncture the arid terrain, while Summer Camp sits at the edge of the northern canyons near Baker Reservoir.