1936 Map of Arabela

About this map

The eastern slopes of the Capitan Mountains dominate this mid-century survey of Lincoln County, where high desert ranching life is etched into the landscape of the Lincoln National Forest. The small settlement of Arabela sits at the foot of the peaks, serving as a hub for the scattered family operations that defined the region’s economy. This map details a network of named homesteads and specialized outposts, from the Lowrey Sheep Camp in the north to the Merton Ranch in the south, illustrating the vast acreage required for livestock in this environment. The importance of water management is evident in the labeling of critical infrastructure such as Millers Windmill, Bluewater Spring, and Blackwater Springs. From the elevations of Sunset Peak down through the drainage of Agua Chiquita Creek, the map records the rural educational and social framework of the era, including the Plainview Sch.