1953 Map of Chimayo

About this map

The settlement of Chimayo serves as the focal point of this 1950s terrain study, situated at the confluence of the Santa Cruz River and several arroyos. The map reveals a community defined by its intricate system of drainage and small land tracts, with smaller neighborhoods such as Los Pachecos and El Rincon de los Trujillos dotting the valley floor. Deeply rooted in the regional history of northern New Mexico, the landscape is partitioned by significant land grants including the Santa Cruz Grant and the Sebastian Martin Grant. Cultural and historical landmarks are prominently noted, including the Capilla de Santa Rita and prehistoric Pueblo Ruins, which speak to the long span of human occupation in this area. Higher elevations transition into the broken terrain of the Mesa de la Ceja, where numerous deep cañadas, such as Cañada Ancha, dominate the geography.