1985 Map of Carlsbad West

About this map

Lake Avalon and the Pecos River define the eastern edge of this mid-1980s landscape, where water management and industrial infrastructure meet the arid New Mexico terrain. The map captures the western expansion of Carlsbad into the Ocotillo Hills, including the residential pocket of Happy Valley and the educational grounds of Living Desert State Park. Tracing the western canyons and mesas reveals several named water sources such as Mc Kitric Spring and Lassiter Spring, which were vital markers for livestock and travelers in this environment. The Southern Pacific railroad corridor runs parallel to the river, servicing the growing urban center. Away from the city, the topography is dominated by massive features like Azotea Mesa and Adobe Flat, segmented by a network of drainage channels including Hackberry Draw and Soapberry Draw.