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1948 Map of Bear Peak

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Bear Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Jornada Experimental Range dominates this portion of Doña Ana County, revealing a specialized high-desert landscape managed for agricultural research and national security shortly after World War II. The map details the administrative and operational infrastructure of the era, from the Jornada Reserve Headquarters to the Love Ranch Hdqrs, surrounded by an extensive network of water sources like Taylor Well and Rock House Spring. These sites supported both ranching history and scientific study, including a unique Artificial Revegetation Plot.

To the east, the San Andres Mountains rise sharply, containing high points such as San Andres Peak and Bear Peak. This area transitions into the White Sands Proving Ground, where the California Institute of Technology maintained a presence. Historical resource extraction is noted at the Lead Mine, while the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge provides a conservation counterpoint to the military and experimental activities nearby.