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1949 Map of Uravan

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Uravan
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1949
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1949

About this map

Uravan sits at the northern edge of this survey, published in cooperation with the United States Atomic Energy Commission. This collaboration highlights the region's importance during the early Cold War uranium boom, with extensive mining operations like the Club Mines, Rock Raven Mine, and the Bitter Creek Mines dotting the landscape. The San Miguel River carves a deep path through the center of the quadrangle, flanked by dramatic plateaus such as Long Mesa and Long Park.

The presence of the Media Mine and Long Park No 6 Mine along the Long Park Road suggests a flurry of mid-century industrial activity amidst a wilderness of named features like Hieroglyphic Canyon and Box Canyon. Further south, the map captures the beginning of the Paradox Valley, where Paradox Creek flows through a distinctive geological depression. This document records a pivotal era when isolated western canyons were being systematically mapped for their strategic mineral value.