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1972 Map of Cat Mesa

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Cat Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Cat Mesa rises above the high desert floor in this 1970s survey of Socorro County, anchoring a landscape defined by its scarce water resources and cattle ranching. The presence of Monte Prieto Ranch in the northwestern corner, paired with several remote water points like Rish Well and New Flat Well, illustrates the essential infrastructure required for survival in this arid environment. A large geological (Depression) dominates the northern central portion of the quadrangle, creating a natural catch for the area's drainage.

The presence of isolated Landing Strips suggests the importance of light aircraft for managing these expansive grazing lands. While the terrain is sparsely populated, the network of selected fence lines and localized landmarks like the Water Tank and Little Well provide critical data points for researchers tracing the historical management of New Mexico's public and private rangelands during the mid-20th century.