1958 Map of Cajon Mesa

About this map

Hovenweep National Monument anchors this 1950s survey of the high desert along the Utah-Colorado border, highlighting significant ancestral sites such as the Square Tower Group Ruins and Holly Group Ruins. The landscape is defined by the massive Cajon Mesa and McCracken Mesa, where remote outposts like Hatch Trading Post and the Hatch Trailer Sch provided essential services to the local community. The presence of numerous Oil Wells across the Navajo Indian Reservation reflects the mid-century energy exploration era, while traditional landmarks like Perkins Ranch and Ismay Trading Post indicate a long-standing ranching and trading presence. Geologic features such as McElmo Creek and Yellowjacket Canyon cut through the mesas, alongside isolated water sources like Tin Cup Spring and Cajon Lake.