Historical Map of Early Colorado

“With Portraits of Distinguished Leaders and Portrayals of Historic Events, Frontier Forts, and Pioneer Trails.”

This gorgeous view of The Centennial State was originally drawn by Waldo Love in 1935, with data supplied by LeRoy Hafen and Edgar McMechan. This example was published in Denver in 1949 by The State Historical Society of Colorado (also the original sponsor), according to text in the bottom margin.

A richly illustrated physical map is punctuated by nearly twenty different lines identifying the paths of early explorers, settlers, and stagecoaches. A legend in the lower right labels each, ranging from Uribarri’s expedition in 1706 to the Leavenworth and Pike’s Peak Stage Route. Numerous vignettes are dotted throughout the image, reflecting historic scenes and important events.

This theme continues to the surrounding border, which is comprised of twenty-four captioned illustrations. These include portraits of notable figures and descriptions of consequential incidents, like the discovery of gold and the Battle of Glorietta Pass. Also of interest is the recognition of a ‘good’ Native American – Chief Ouray. “Great Leader of the Ute Indians, who remained the white man’s friend throughout Indian troubles of the pioneer era.”