1988 Map of Blackwater Hill

About this map

Blackwater Hill dominates the western landscape of this Chaves County quadrangle, where the High Plains drop away toward the Pecos River valley. The terrain is defined by a series of significant drainage systems, including the long paths of Blackwater Draw and California Draw, which cut across the arid landscape. This 1980s survey illustrates the critical role of water management in eastern New Mexico, marking several isolated livestock watering points such as Christine Windmill, Bloom Windmill, and Border Well. These small-scale water sources, alongside larger catchments like Mare Lake and Mennecke Lake, were essential for ranching operations in a region where surface water is scarce. The map also records the transition from the upland heights down into Tecolote Canyon, providing a precise look at the topographical contours of the area during the late twentieth century.