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Annotated By Historian Colonel George Ruhlen
This 1922 wall map of Colorado, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Department of the Interior, provides a detailed topographical representation of the state, capturing its hydrography, elevation changes, settlements, and transportation infrastructure.
A notable feature of this map is the inclusion of two historic trails and modern highways, each marked in distinct colors. The Escalante Expedition Route of 1776, depicted in purple, traces the journey of Fray Silvestre Vélez de Escalante and Fray Francisco Atanasio Domínguez. Their expedition sought to establish an overland route between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Monterey, California, though it ultimately resulted in the first detailed European mapping of the region. The trail winds through western Colorado, reflecting their extensive exploration.
The Old Spanish Trail, marked in yellow, represents one of the most significant trade routes in the American Southwest. Used primarily between 1829 and the mid-19th century, it connected Santa Fe, New Mexico, with coastal California, facilitating trade between Mexican settlements and the missions and ranchos of Alta California. The trail’s course through southern Colorado underscores its role in economic and cultural exchanges across the region.
In contrast, the modern highways of 1922, denoted in red, reflect the state's early automotive infrastructure. These roads, in some cases, follow paths established by earlier trade and exploration routes, illustrating the transformation of Colorado’s transportation network over time. By juxtaposing historic trails with contemporary highways, the map provides a compelling visual representation of Colorado’s evolving patterns of movement and settlement.
Colonel George Ruhlen (1884–1971) was a distinguished military officer and historical geographer whose career spanned significant developments in U.S. military history, particularly during the early and mid-20th century. Best known for organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego after Pearl Harbor, his leadership, particularly during World War II, and his contributions to historical scholarship made him a respected figure in both military and academic circles.
Born at Fort Totten, near Devil's Lake, North Dakota, in 1884, Ruhlen came from a family with a deep military tradition. His father, Major General George Ruhlen, was a U.S. Army quartermaster. Ruhlen graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. His early postings were within the Quartermaster Corps, but over time, he transitioned to roles of increasing responsibility within the field artillery, where he demonstrated keen leadership skills. His career saw him stationed at various posts, with a notable assignment in 1938 as the commanding officer of Corregidor, a fortress island in the Philippines critical to the defense of Manila Bay.
Colonel Ruhlen is perhaps best remembered for his role as the commander of Fort Rosecrans, a key military installation in San Diego, California. After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ruhlen was tasked with organizing the coastal defenses of San Diego, a city that was seen as vulnerable to Japanese attack in the early days of the Pacific War. Fort Rosecrans, located on the Point Loma peninsula, became the centerpiece of Ruhlen’s efforts to fortify the region.
In his capacity as commander, Ruhlen oversaw the deployment of coastal artillery and anti-aircraft defenses, ensuring that San Diego, a vital Pacific Fleet base and a hub for wartime logistics, was well-protected. His leadership during this period was crucial in maintaining the security of one of the most strategically important cities on the U.S. West Coast.
Ruhlen retired from the U.S. Army in 1944, but his contributions to the San Diego community did not end there. He became heavily involved in historical research and preservation, notably serving as the president of the San Diego Historical Society during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In this role, Ruhlen was instrumental in promoting the study of Southern California's military history, especially the role that Fort Rosecrans and other installations played in the defense of the region during World War II.
Ruhlen’s work as a historical geographer extended beyond military history. He was particularly interested in the history of the American West and the strategic role of military forts in the development of the region. His research and writings contributed to a greater understanding of the military’s influence on the growth of Southern California, helping to preserve the legacy of the region's military past.
Colonel George Ruhlen was part of a family with a remarkable military lineage. His father, George Ruhlen Sr., served as an Army inspector general and was a significant figure in the U.S. Army during the early 20th century. Ruhlen's son, also named George Ruhlen, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, serving with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. As a Lieutenant Colonel, George Ruhlen III commanded the 3rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion, a unit of the 9th Armored Division that played a key role in halting German advances during the Battle of the Bulge, particularly in the defense of Medernach.
