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1957 Map of Ambrosia Lake

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Ambrosia Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

Industrial uranium mining operations dominate the high desert floor south of Mesa de las Vacas in the late 1950s. The landscape is defined by massive processing facilities, including the Kermac Nuclear Fuels Processing Plant and the Phillips Petroleum Ambrosia Mill, complete with large Storage Ponds and tailings areas. These sites represent the height of the Cold War uranium boom, supported by a network of shafts such as the Homestake-Sapin Mine No 25 and the United Western Mine.

Beyond the industrial core, the terrain transitions into the canyons and mesas of the Cibola National Forest. Geographic landmarks like Loma de la Gloria and Julian Hill rise above the basin, while localized water sources like Laguna del Monte and Bonito Spring offer a contrast to the arid surroundings. The presence of the Berryhill Ranch and the Ambrosia Lake Trailer Park illustrate the residential life of the workers and ranchers inhabiting this corner of the Navajo Indian Land.