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1893 Map of Two Butte

Name: 1893 Topographic Map of Two Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1909
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1909

About this map

The Santa Fe Trail cuts diagonally across the arid plains of Southeast Colorado, marking a transition between the open cattle range and the isolated ranching outposts of the late nineteenth century. Surveyed in 1890, this landscape is defined by the convergence of Bent, Prowers, and Baca counties, where water sources like Clay Creek Spring and the drainage of Two Butte Creek dictated the location of early settlements.

Remote stations such as Ayr, Wilde, and Mulvane appear as sparse dots on the prairie, likely serving as essential supply points or stage stops for travelers and locals alike. The prominent elevation of Two Buttes serves as the primary landmark in a region otherwise characterized by broad creek valleys, including Antelope Creek and Horse Creek. Settlements like Atlanta and the Longshore Ranch illustrate the early efforts to establish permanent homesteads in this corner of the High Plains before the era of intensive irrigation and larger rail hubs.