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1892 Map of Canyon De Chelly

Name: 1892 Topographic Map of Canyon De Chelly
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1901
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1901

About this map

The dramatic geological features of the Colorado Plateau define this reconnaissance survey, dominated by the deep incisions of Canyon De Chelly and Canyon Del Muerto. Surveyed in 1883 and published at the turn of the century, the map documents the Navajo Indian Res. Line and the extensive Chinlee Valley. The landscape is a complex network of high mesas and isolated buttes, including Salahkai Mesa and the striking Sonsala Buttes.

Ephemeral water sources such as Sasttso Springs, Tatezaka Tank, and Pragaatzo Lake indicate the vital and scarce resources available in this arid territory. The eastern border is defined by the Arizona New Mexico Boundary Line, which runs through the high elevations of the Tunitcha Mountains and the Lukachukai Mts. This map captures the region's geography before significant modern development, focusing on the natural landmarks like Roof Butte and Pastora Peak that served as primary navigational points.