1892 Map of Chaco

About this map

The confluence of the Animas River and San Juan River defines the settlement pattern of this northwestern New Mexico territory during the late nineteenth century. Established outposts like Farmington and Aztec are shown near the northern boundary, while the vast landscape to the south is primarily defined by water sources such as Sulphur Spring and Sheep Spring. The map documents the early delineation of the Navajo Indian Res. Line, providing a view of how political boundaries bisected the high desert terrain. Notable geological landmarks like Ship Rock and the Chuska Mts serve as primary navigational points in an area where developed roads were still sparse. This reconnaissance survey, compiled from the work of W.W. Davis and the Hayden Survey, preserves the location of early camps and settlements like Seven Lakes and Jewett before the further expansion of irrigation and modern infrastructure changed the San Juan Basin.