1999 Map of Armstrong Canyon

About this map

Armstrong Canyon and the surrounding drainage basins of Largo Creek define this high-desert landscape in Catron County during the late 20th century. The terrain is marked by a network of seasonal watercourses and topographic features including Dark Canyon, Amen Canyon, and French Canyon. Evidence of land use is scattered throughout, notably at the Graves location and various water management sites like Allison Windmill, Middle Windmill, and Cottonwood Windmill. A portion of the Apache National Forest occupies the southern reach of the map, intersected by the New Mexico Base Line. Transportation and infrastructure are represented by the Quemado Airfield and a prominent Communication Tower near Roadside Park. This survey, revised at the turn of the millennium, illustrates the critical importance of water sources in the arid West through its documentation of numerous windmills and tanks across the drainage of Rito Creek.