1977 Map of Chaco Mesa

About this map

The Continental Divide winds through this high-desert landscape, separating the drainage of Chaco Wash from the eastern mesas. This late-1970s survey documents a region defined by archaeological significance and remote trading centers, including the eastern portions of Chaco Canyon National Monument. The settlement pattern relies heavily on traditional commerce points like the Star Lake Trading Post, Prairie-Dog Trading Post, and Johnson Trading Post, which served as vital hubs for the local Navajo community. To the south and east, the terrain rises into the prominent Chaco Mesa and San Luis Mesa, punctuated by isolated settlements such as Hospah and the Torreon Navajo Mission. The map also captures numerous natural catchments and ephemeral water sources like Laguna Trujillo and Seven Lakes, illustrating the hydrological challenges of life in the San Juan Basin.