1955 Map of Westcliffe

About this map

The high mountain basins of the Wet Mountain Valley define this mid-century survey, centered on the adjacent mining and ranching hubs of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff. The map illustrates a landscape shaped by mineral extraction and transportation shifts, notably featuring the Bull Domingo Mine and the Defender Mine (Active). The presence of an Old Railroad Grade running through the valley floor suggests the legacy of Narrow Gauge rail lines that once served these silver camps, while the Valley Airstrip south of town marks the transition to modern infrastructure. Water management for the arid region is anchored by the De Weese Reservoir to the north, accompanied by the Lake De Weese Lodge. Topographical landmarks like the Bull Domingo Hills, White Hills, and Round Mountain surround the town sites, while several named drainages like Grape Creek and Sevenmile Gulch cut through the surrounding slopes of Oak Grove Mtn.