1985 Map of Blanding South

About this map

The town of Blanding sits at the northern edge of a landscape characterized by deep canyon incisions and expansive plateau systems in the mid-1980s. The topography is dominated by the contrasting heights of White Mesa and Mustang Mesa, separated by the drainage of Recapture Creek. This provisional survey illustrates a complex network of points and draws, including Murphy Point and Lems Draw, which guided land use and travel long before modern paved routes. The presence of water sources such as Mustang Spring and Richmond Spring highlights the vital, localized resources necessary for life in this arid region of San Juan County. The map captures a moment of transition where traditional terrain-based landmarks like Road Canyon Point and Ute Point remained the primary identifiers for navigating the corridor south of the settlement.