1963 Map of Cerro Alesna

About this map

Cerro Alesna stands as a prominent volcanic landmark within the high desert landscape of McKinley County, as shown in this 1960s-era survey updated in the early 1980s. The map documents the overlap of the Bartolome Fernandez land grant with the eastern edge of the Cibola National Forest. While the terrain is defined by dry drainage systems like San Isidro Arroyo and Cañon del Dado, human activity is concentrated around scattered water sources and seasonal tanks. Historians can locate the Fort San Miguel (Ruins) and the nearby San Miguel Ranch, suggesting a long-standing pattern of ranching and settlement along the San Miguel watercourse. In the northwest, the benchmark at Burns BM 6798 and the Telesfors Tank indicate the vital role of specific local water management in this arid environment.