1950 Map of Bottomless Lakes

About this map

Bottomless Lakes State Park follows a dramatic escarpment where the high desert plateau drops toward the Pecos River valley. The map documents a series of sinkhole lakes along this bluff, including Lea Lake, Mirror Lake, and Inkwell Lake, which served as critical water sources in a landscape dominated by ranching and early petroleum exploration. The western portion of the sheet shows the complex hydrology of the river corridor, with the Hagerman Canal and various ditches supporting irrigation efforts in Chaves County. This 1950s-era topography also notes local social landmarks like the Fin and Feather Club and a network of family-held properties such as Ervin Ranch and Atkinson Ranch, illustrating the transition from open range to a more established agricultural and recreational landscape.