1981 Map of Bull Gap

About this map

The Malpais lava flow dominates this Tularosa Basin landscape, cutting a dark, distinct swath across the high desert terrain. This orthophotomap, based on 1970s aerial photography, reveals a stark intersection of geological force and human infrastructure during the early 1980s. To the west, the boundary of the White Sands Missile Range is clearly marked, while the Southern Pacific tracks and an Old Railroad Grade trace the historical movement of goods and people through this arid corridor. Water sources, vital for ranching and survival, appear as scattered landmarks such as Bull Gap Spring, Dalton Spring, and Craven Well. The rugged geography is defined by Bull Gap Ridge and various canyons, with the Oscura Mine situated near Milagro Hill, reflecting the region's scattered industrial and livestock-raising history.