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1950 Map of Bitter Lake

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Bitter Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge serves as the focal point of this 1950 survey, where the arid New Mexico landscape meets a complex system of hydrology and conservation. The eastern portion of the map is dominated by the Pecos River and its associated alkali flats, including Bitter Lake and Lake St Francis. This area reveals a transition from natural river meanders to managed water resources, evidenced by numerous Gaging Stations, the Hondo Canal, and Garrod Dam.

Social and infrastructure developments of the mid-century period are clearly visible, with the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad cutting diagonally across the western sections. Local life is anchored by small landmarks such as the LFD School, Roswell Country Club, and the St Marys Cem. The map also captures the early layout of Mc Gaffey St and the Old Roswell-Clovis Highway, providing a detailed look at the rural outskirts before significant suburban expansion.