Page 12 - November December 2014

USGS
Nick Prior
I have discovered the USGS and I wondered if others would find it as useful a tool as I have. The USGS is the United States Geological Survey and it publishes maps similar to the British Ordnance Survey maps. The great plus is that these maps are available on-line and, crucially, historical maps are also available so it is possible to bring up maps showing fallen flag railroads. Another plus is that these maps are available for home download and printing.
Getting to these maps is a simple process. Simply Google “USGS”, bring up the USGS Home Page and click on “Map Locator and Downloader” at the right-hand side of the page. This brings you to a page showing a map of North America with a window above in which you can type in a town or city name. Remember to include the state as well. You will then get a large, interactive, current map of the area with a teardrop on the town itself. Clicking on the teardrop brings up a list of current and historical maps that can be individually selected. Click on the “MB” (megabyte) reading (at the right) of the map you want and download it. When you have done so you can enlarge it to full screen.
The maps can be enlarged to a wide range of magnifications, and scrolling will bring up adjoining areas. Thus it is possible to follow the track of a railroad from town to town (within the ambit of the map). If you want to go further beyond the map chosen, bring up the maps for another town along the route.
The joy of these maps is that they are all topological so it is easy to appreciate the surrounding landscape.
The historical extent of the maps for a particular area varies by region, but often the presence of old railways seems to determine how far back the maps go. This is particularly true where there is an historical geological interest in the area, such as mining. This means that many narrow-gauge railroads are particularly well served.
I am interested in the history of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and was able, for example, to follow closely the Silverton branch of the Rio Grande. Entering “Durango co” brought up a wide choice of historical maps going back to 1897 and I was able to understand in great detail the railroad route between Durango and Silverton as well as the old toll roads on which the line is based. Then, entering “Silverton co” I could complete the journey and also follow Otto Mears’s lines into the mountains above Silverton.
Shown are two maps. One is the 1907 map of Durango in its entirety, illustrating the extent of the map, and the other is an enlarged view of a detail, a view of downtown Durango clearly showing the railroad tracks in and around the town.
All in all this is a valuable tool for railroaders in general and those interested in the history of railroads in particular.
12 ROUNDHOUSE
Left: S Scale
Don McDougall display at a previous Bournemouth Convention
Photo: Des Browne