1952 Map of Becker

About this map

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad cuts across this high desert landscape, serving the small settlement of Becker near the Valencia and Socorro county line. The geography is defined by a complex overlay of Spanish land grants, including the Casa Colorada Grant, Belen Grant, and Sevilleta Grant. This 1952 survey shows the transition from ranching operations like the West and Pyle Ranch and Goat Ranch to the establishment of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. To the south, the terrain rises sharply into the Los Pinos Mountains and the prominent Whiteface Mountain. Industrial activity is noted at the San Sais Quarry, while remote infrastructure is evidenced by scattered Landing Strips and a network of pipelines crossing Abo Arroyo and Pino Draw.