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1972 Map of Acoma

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Acoma
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Union Pacific rail lines dictate the human geography of this Lincoln County landscape, cutting a path through the corridor defined by Clover Creek. This early 1970s survey captures the small settlements of Acoma, Joseco, and Barclay along the tracks, serving as critical points in an otherwise arid expanse. The reliance on scarce water sources is evident through the naming of numerous springs and wells, including Acoma Spring, North Spring, and Oak Well, which likely sustained local ranching and rail operations.

Terrain features like Panaca Flat and Beaver Dam Flat provide a stark contrast to the surrounding elevations of the Bally Knolls. Industrial activity is localized at the Borrow Pits near the Acoma Reservoir, while the presence of a Water Tank and WT labels further emphasize the technical infrastructure required to maintain transport in the high desert. The map offers a clear view of the relationship between the natural drainage of Mathews Canyon and the engineered route of the railroad.