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1952 Map of Belen

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Belen
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The Nicolas Duran de Chavez Grant and Belen Grant define the landscape of the Middle Rio Grande Valley as it appeared in the mid-20th century. The settlement of Belen serves as the central hub, supported by smaller communities like Los Chavez and Los Trujillos. This era shows an intricate irrigation and drainage system critical to valley agriculture, featuring the Belen High Line Canal, Old Jarales Ditch, and Gabaldon Levee.

Transport and industry are marked by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad corridor, while local heritage is preserved in sites such as Our Lady of Belen Cem and Terrace Grove Cem. The map illustrates the transition from the mesa's open range, dotted with a lone Windmill, to the structured agricultural plots of the river valley. The 1971 photorevision adds layers of mid-century development, including the Sewage Disposal plant and expanded residential grids in Bacaville.