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Finely executed map of Colorado, offering a detailed, representation of the state in the midst of expansion and change.

Colored by counties, the map outlines the borders of each with distinctive colors for easy differentiation. It is a comprehensive depiction, including details of township surveys, roads, railroads, and mountains, as well as rivers, railway stations, towns, and mining operations.

In the last quarter of the 19th Century, Colorado experienced significant growth, particularly in its southwestern region. The map brings this area into sharp focus, illustrating the San Juan mining regions around the towns of Silverton, Ouray and Telluride (here still called Folsom or Columbia). These and other boom towns of the time are shown, showing the profusion of both population and industry spurred by the silver rush. The network of roads and railways connecting these towns reveals how this remote region was made accessible, facilitating the transportation of goods and contributing to Colorado's economic development.

The period saw the formation of several new counties in Colorado, as indicated on the map. Bent County, split in 1874, created present-day Las Animas County. In 1876, Elbert and Lincoln counties were carved out from the eastern part of Douglas County and the southern part of Arapahoe County, respectively. Bent County was further divided in 1887 to create Prowers County, although this change is not represented on the 1883 map.

San Miguel County, home to the boom town of Telluride, was formed in 1883. This county was particularly important given its rich silver deposits, which attracted a significant influx of miners, investors, and settlers. The creation of these new counties and the infrastructure linking them underlines the rapid development that the state of Colorado underwent during this period.

In sum, the 1883 map of Colorado provides a visually rich and detailed representation of the state's geographical and socio-economic landscape at a time of significant transformation. The map serves as a historic document, capturing the growth of the region, the flourishing of the mining industry, and the creation of new counties to manage this growth effectively.