1952 Map of Black Butte

About this map

Black Butte dominates the central landscape of this desert terrain, serving as a prominent landmark at the intersection of several historic land divisions. The map reveals the expansive boundaries of the Casa Colorado Grant, Belen Grant, and Sevilleta Grant, providing a detailed view of these large tracts before modern subdivision. The arid environment is defined by seasonal watercourses like Pino Draw and Arroyo Abo, which dictate the placement of local infrastructure. Scattered across the sheet are vital water sources such as the Sun Well and Black Well, alongside industrial markers like a Gravel Pit. The map also captures the boundary between Valencia and Socorro counties, illustrating the remote and sparsely settled character of the New Mexico interior in the early 1950s.