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1970 Map of Cactus Flat

Name: 1970 Topographic Map of Cactus Flat
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Sitgreaves National Forest dominates the southern landscape of this 1970s survey, where the high desert terrain of Cactus Flat is marked by a complex network of ephemeral drainages and ranching infrastructure. The map reveals an arid economy dependent on water management, evidenced by numerous named wells and catchments such as Thomas Windmill, Linden Windmill, and the Pumping Station Well.

An interesting historical layer is found in the Old Railroad Grade cutting across the eastern sections, tracing a former transport corridor through the forest. The natural topography is defined by seasonal watercourses like Cottonwood Wash, Dodson Wash, and Town Draw. These features, along with scattered landmarks like Perkins Spring and Rattlesnake Tank, provide a detailed record of the Navajo County backcountry during a period of continued forest service management and rural ranching activity.