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1892 Map of Vilas

Name: 1892 Topographic Map of Vilas
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1949
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1949

About this map

Vilas and Boston appear as primary settlements in this 1890s survey of southeastern Colorado, a period when cattle ranching and early homesteading defined the high plains. The landscape is marked by the presence of the Texas Trail, which cuts across the eastern plains near the Colorado Kansas Boundary Line, signifying the importance of long-distance cattle drives to the regional economy. Settlements like Stonington and Plymouth are established along the drainage systems, while family-operated holdings such as Mathews Ranch and Miles Ranch anchor the rural territory.

The hydrology of the region is centered on the Cimarron River in the south and the winding course of the Sand Arroyo. These water sources, along with landmarks like Black Butte and Buffalo Point, provided essential navigational aids and resources for settlers. The intricate contour lines illustrate the transition from the flat tablelands to the dissected breaks of Spring Canyon, offering a detailed view of the terrain before more modern agricultural and water management practices altered the landscape.