1950 Map of Bottomless Lakes

About this map

Bottomless Lakes State Park highlights a unique geological landscape east of the Pecos River, where deep artesian cenotes create a striking contrast against the arid Chaves County terrain. This mid-century survey, based on 1947 aerial photography and 1950 fieldwork, documents the clustered lakes of the escarpment, including Mirror Lake, Inkwell Lake, and the expansive Lea Lake. The map reveals the area's transition between recreational use and natural resource extraction, noting the Fin and Feather Club alongside several Oil Wells (Aban'd) and a Pumping Station. Ranching legacy is evident through family-named sites like Ervin Ranch, Atkinson Ranch, and Greenwood Ranch. To the west, the managed water systems of the Hagerman Canal run parallel to the river's winding path, illustrating the vital irrigation infrastructure that sustained agriculture in this part of New Mexico.