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1952 Map of Belen NW

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Belen NW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Rio Puerco defines the eastern edge of this landscape, its winding channel cutting through the semi-arid terrain of Valencia County. The map details a sophisticated network of water management essential for livestock and local agriculture in the mid-20th century. Scattered across the high ground are vital water sources such as the Pueblo Windmill, Popalito Windmill, and the Shearing Corral Windmill, alongside numerous reservoirs like Guzman Reservoir and Gabaladon Reservoir.

The presence of the Belen Grant and the Nicolas Duran de Chavez Grant highlights the region's complex land tenure history, with an approximate Grant Boundary visible. Infrastructure includes a notable Pipeline and a Levee near the river, while the drainage of Arroyo Monte Belen provides further topographic character to the central plains. This 1952 survey, updated with late-1970s aerial data, captures the transition of ranching infrastructure into the modern era.