1952 Map of Agathla Peak

About this map

Agathla Peak (El Capitan) stands as a towering landmark in the high desert of the Navajo Indian Reservation, anchoring a landscape of profound archaeological and geological significance. This mid-century survey reveals a territory where ancient history and natural formations meet, documenting numerous ancestral sites such as Echo Cave Ruin, the Pueblo Site, and several identified Cliff Dwellings. The geography is defined by the iconic towers of Monument Valley, including West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte, and Merrick Butte. Water, though scarce, is noted at Goulding Well and along the seasonal course of Laguna Creek. The map provides a detailed view of the Wetherill Mesa and Mystery Valley, recording specific landmarks like the House-of-Hands (Cave) and the Totem Pole before modern infrastructure altered the accessibility of these remote areas.