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2013 Map of Belen

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Belen
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

The Rio Grande and its intricate network of irrigation ditches and drains define the agricultural and residential character of this Middle Rio Grande Valley landscape. The central hub of Belen is surrounded by a dense cluster of communities including Sausal, Los Trujillos-Gabaldon, and Bacaville. The valley's reliance on water management is evident in the numerous engineering works such as the Belen Highline Canal, Garcia-Lateral Number 1, and the Sausal Drain.

Genealogists will find significant local history in the presence of Our Lady of Belen Cem and Terrace Grove Cem, which serve the long-established populations of the valley. To the west, the terrain rises toward the Estancia area, where the Alexander Municipal Airport sits on the higher bench overlooking the river valley. The map also records smaller settlements such as Pueblitos and Jarales, illustrating the traditional linear settlement pattern along the ancient river corridor.