1957 Map of Arch

About this map

Arch sits at the heart of this high plains landscape on the border of New Mexico and Texas during the late 1950s. The area is defined by a series of significant depressions and ephemeral water bodies, most notably the expansive Salt Lake and nearby Little Salt Lake. This geography influenced the placement of early homesteads and ranching operations, which are identified here by family name. The map documents the distributed nature of local settlement, marking sites such as Coldwater Ranch, Golden Ranch, Phillips Ranch, and Nickles Ranch. Cultural landmarks including the Eiland Cem and the Caliche Pit near the Valley floor provide specific points of interest for genealogists and local historians. A network of primitive transport routes, often labeled simply as Jeep Trail, connects these remote outposts across the state line, illustrating the isolation and specialized land use of the Llano Estacado region.