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1943 Map of Afton

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Afton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

The Rio Grande and its intricate network of irrigation ditches define the eastern edge of this landscape, where the Mesilla Valley supports the historic agricultural lands of the Mesilla Civil Colony and Santo Tomas De Yturbide Colony. Managed by the Mesilla Dam, a complex system of waterworks including the West Side Canal, Del Rio Ditch, and Park Lateral feeds the valley floor.

Away from the river, the terrain rises into the arid desert flats, dominated by the Southern Pacific railroad line that connects the small stations of Afton and Rutter. This 1941 survey documents a sparse but vital ranching economy, mapping isolated outposts such as Norwood Ranch, Fitzgerald Ranch, and Nunn Ranch. Volcanic features like Little Black Mtn and Black Mtn punctuate the landscape, serving as landmarks for the early development of the region's infrastructure, including a prominent pipeline and various wells like the Gardner North Well.