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1996 Map of Table Mesa

Name: 1996 Topographic Map of Table Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2000
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2000

About this map

The Santa Fe National Historic Trail Granada-Fort Union Route cuts diagonally through this corner of Southeast Colorado, marking a corridor once vital to trade and military transport between the Arkansas River and New Mexico. Situated along the Las Animas and Baca County line, the landscape is defined by the sharp relief of Table Mesa and the deep incisions of Freezeout Canyon and Soldier Canyon.

Evidence of early ranching and homesteading life is concentrated around reliable water sources like Soldier Spring and Wyatt Spring. Local genealogy is anchored by landmarks such as the Robb Sch and Robb Cem, which served the dispersed population living on the edge of the Comanche National Grassland. The network of intermittent drainages, including Burro Arroyo and Freezeout Creek, illustrates the hydraulic challenges faced by settlers in this semi-arid high plains environment.