La Plata Hesperus Colorado USGS 15-Min Topo Map 1956 Vintage
$95.00
An 1895 edition of the USGS 15-minute La Plata quad, printed in 1956, this copy on thick stock is in very good condition for a sheet of its age. The map depicts a rugged stretch of southwest Colorado spanning parts of La Plata and Montezuma counties, taking in portions of San Juan National Forest and the Menefee Mountain Wilderness Study Area, with communities including Mayday and Hesperus likely appearing on or near the sheet. Researchers tracing early mining-era settlement in the La Plata Mountains will find the 1895 edition year — capturing the area at the height of Colorado’s silver boom — particularly valuable, and the thick stock and very good condition make this a serious working copy.
In stock
Additional information
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This vintage sheet is an 1895 edition of the La Plata Colorado USGS topographic map. It is an original 70-year-old 1956 United States Geological Survey print in very good condition.
HOW THIS MAP CAN BE USED
In addition to making a fascinating conversation piece, this sheet would look great in a frame or on display, make a unique and prized gift for anyone interested in this area, be perfect as a reference for genealogy studies or general historical research, or fill that missing piece in your collection. Maps of this vintage are printed on durable stock and are well-suited for outdoor activities and recreation of all kinds, including hiking, backpacking, hunting, rafting and kayaking, backcountry skiing, geocaching, general exploration, treasure hunting, etc.
* Title-> La Plata
* State-> Colorado
* Edition-> 1895
* Printed-> 1956, thick paper stock
FEATURES SHOWN ON THE MAP
The La Plata 15-minute map shows cities and towns, roads, railroads, utilities and energy infrastructure, rivers, creeks, elevation contour lines, public land survey lines, county, state, and other administrative boundaries as they existed at the time of the survey in 1895. All known structures (houses, businesses, churches, schools, barns, cabins, etc) are also shown, with exceptions in some urban areas, where only landmark buildings may be shown.
* Series-> 15-minute
* Scale-> 1:62500
* Contour Interval-> 100 Foot
SURVEYING AND CARTOGRAPHY
The La Plata map was field surveyed before aerial photography methods were widely used in map data gathering. It was drawn by skilled cartographers at the United States Geological Survey based on plane table field survey information as well as information gathered from local residents in the area. This piece displays the remarkable abilities of early government map makers, who placed a strong emphasis on creating complete, accurate, and cartographically appealing maps.
* Surveyed-> 1895 Field Survey
* Geographer-> Henry Gannett
A VALUABLE HISTORICAL RECORD
Maps from the 15-minute series for the continental United States are no longer produced or printed by the USGS and original prints are becoming increasingly difficult to find. They are a valuable historical record for an area, as they contain many placenames and features that have been dropped from more recent maps.
* Sheet Dimensions-> 16 1/2 x 20 inches (approximate)
* Map Dimensions-> 13 7/8 x 17 1/2 inches
* Map Coverage-> 14 x 17 miles
SHEET CONDITION: Very Good
* Sheet Notes-> moderately handled, never folded
* Map Area-> no wear, no markings, no blemishes
* Collar Area-> no markings, no blemishes, no edge tears, some handling wear along collars, small inventory stamp
PLACENAMES
The following places are found within the boundary of this quadrangle. They may or may not be shown or labeled, depending on the map series and vintage.
* Cities and Towns-> Mayday and Hesperus
* Counties Covered-> La Plata and Montezuma
* Federal Land Units-> San Juan National Forest and Menefee Mountain Wilderness Study Area
* Rivers and Streams-> West Mancos River, Turkey Creek, Tirbircio Creek, Starvation Creek, Spring Creek, South Fork West Mancos River, South Fork Lightner Creek, South Fork Hermosa Creek, Silver Creek, North Fork West Mancos River, and others
* Water Bodies-> Weber Reservoir
