Loading map...

1949 Map of Bowie

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Bowie
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

The Southern Pacific railroad corridor anchors the desert landscape of the San Simon Valley, running through the heart of the settlement at Bowie. Surveyed in the late 1940s, this area of Cochise County reflects a rural economy transitioning between cattle ranching and early industrial efforts. Small stations and sidings like Holt and Olga dot the rail line, while the presence of the Yellow Hammer Mill along San Simon Creek indicates local mining or milling activity near the Graham County line.

Water management is the defining characteristic of this arid region, evidenced by a dense network of named wells and tanks. From the First National Well to Coyote Wells and various Artesian Wells, these water sources supported family-named homesteads such as Garrett Ranch, Triangle Ranch, and the Posey Ranch (Site). The terrain is further etched by seasonal drainage systems like Buckeye Wash and Happy Camp Wash, which feed into the central valley basin.