1913 Map of Alum Mountain

About this map

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument stands as a central historical landmark on this topographic survey of the Gila Wilderness area. At the time of this 1913 publication, the region was defined by a sparse but vital network of working cattle operations, including the V Cross T Headquarters, XSX Ranch, and the T J Ranch situated near the forks of the Gila River. The terrain is characterized by a high-altitude drainage system where the Continental Divide separates the complex canyons of the Gila National Forest and Datil National Forest. Industry is represented by the Meerschaum Mine and its associated settlement, Meerschaum, located in the southern reaches of the map. Away from the main river, the landscape opens into grazing lands such as Lily Park and McKenna Park, while smaller outposts like the Rangers Cabin and Hunting Lodge indicate early federal and recreational management of these public lands.