1983 Map of Brazos

About this map

The Tierra Amarilla Grant dominates this landscape in northern New Mexico, where the Rio Chama carves a fertile path through high-elevation terrain. In the early 1980s, the small settlements of Chama and Brazos served as primary hubs for the surrounding ranching and agricultural community. The map reveals a complex irrigation system vital to the region's survival, featuring the Barranco Ditch and Canones Ditch that draw water from the river to support local land use. To the east, the geography becomes increasingly complex with deep cuts like Cañonizaria Canyon and Nestor Canyon. This survey captures the transition from the river valley floor to the high-country flats, including landmarks such as Julian Flat and Dos Lomas, reflecting the enduring land grant traditions and the essential relationship between the alpine watershed and valley life.