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1965 Map of Yellow Jacket

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Yellow Jacket
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Lewis and the surrounding high desert terrain of Montezuma County appear here in a snapshot from the mid-1960s, prior to later water management changes in the region. The map captures a transition between the agricultural lands around the Yellow Jacket settlement and the deeper canyon systems to the north. Local spiritual and communal landmarks are well-represented by Emmanuel Ch and the Fairview Cem, while the Sunnyside Cem sits just east of the primary settlement cluster at Lewis.

The northern portion of the quadrangle is defined by the winding course of the Dolores River as it passes near Lone Dome and through the San Juan National Forest. A complex network of drainage systems, including Yellow Jacket Canyon, Brumley Draw, and Ryman Draw, illustrates the natural erosion patterns of this landscape. Evidence of mid-century infrastructure is visible in the prominent Pipeline and several lateral water lines that supported the local ranching and farming economy.