1996 Map of Brown Mountain

About this map

Tucson Mountains and the arid expanse of the Avra Valley define this landscape as it appeared in the late 1990s. The map captures a unique intersection of conservation and mid-century cultural history, featuring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum alongside the film-history site Old Tucson. To the west, the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation boundary marks a distinct shift in land use, while aviation history is represented by Ryan Field near the southern edge. The map meticulously tracks water management in the desert, from the ancient-style Aqueduct and numerous flumes to modern Sewage Treatment Ponds. Isolated landmarks like Robles Well and San Joaquin Well serve as critical reference points in the open valley, while recreational areas like Gilbert Ray Campground indicate the area's transition into a regional park and wilderness destination.