Noel, Thomas J., Paul F. Mahoney and Richard E. Stevens, Historical Atlas of Colorado.  Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1994.  12 x 9 inches; cloth; 192 pp; 60 maps. ISBN 0-8061-2555-1. (University of Oklahoma Press, P.O. Box 787, Norman, OK 73070-0787.  $29.95)

It’s Colorado’s turn for an historical atlas in this fine series covering many of the states west of the Mississippi River.  Maps with accompanying text illuminate a full range of physical, historical, political, economic and cultural geography.  The tracks of explorers from Coronado to Gunnison are traced.  A map of ghost towns will interest the antique map collector.  Those showing county development and configurations will help in dating loose maps.  Charts of population trends highlight aspects of Colorado’s boom and bust past.  A dot map presents an interesting agricultural development: since 1900 sheep have declined and cattle have increased enormously, especially along the South Platte and Arkansas Rivers, presumeably in feed-lots near the railroads.  Cultural features conclude with “literary locales” in which writers are associated with Colorado locations.  This atlas and its companions from the same press are recommended for anyone with an interest in the Trans-Mississippi West.

Jon K. Rosenthal, 1994