1971 Map of Vigil

About this map

The Purgatoire River carves through the landscape of Las Animas County, shaping the historic Picketwire Valley and Stonewall Valley. By the early 1970s, this region reflected a mix of traditional settlement and industrial extraction. Small communities such as Vigil and Zamora are gathered along the river's path, where the San Isidro Ch and Vigil Cem anchor the local genealogy. Evidence of the area's coal mining heritage is prominent at the Allen Mine (West Portal) and its associated Allen Mine Substa. The surrounding terrain is a complex network of canyons, including Santistevan Canyon and Dude Canyon, while the northern reaches include protected lands within the State Spanish Peaks Wildlife Area. An extensive Aqueduct system following the river valley highlights the critical role of water management in this high-altitude environment.