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1980 Map of Whale Hill

Name: 1980 Topographic Map of Whale Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Rio Grande National Forest encompasses a landscape defined by an intensive history of hard-rock mining and drainage systems. This 1980s record reveals a complex network of claims and extractors clustered around landmarks like Whale Hill and Mount Manitou. The concentration of mining activity is particularly dense along Rawley Gulch and Michigan Gulch, where operations such as the Rainbow Mine and Manitou Sunlight Mine once sought mineral wealth.

Transport and water management shape the eastern reaches, where an Old Railroad Grade parallels San Luis Creek at the foot of the mountains. The terrain is deeply dissected by drainages including Elkhorn Gulch and Peterson Creek, which flow toward the broader valley. From the summit of Elkhorn Peak to the various prospects dotting Cottonwood Ridge, the map documents the industrial footprint of the Villa Grove Mine and the Chicago Mine during a period of ongoing survey and classification.