1954 Map of Clifton

About this map

The Morenci Mine dominates the industrial landscape of the high desert, where the copper-rich corridor of eastern Arizona meets the mountainous New Mexico border. This mid-century survey illustrates the intense concentration of mining activity near Clifton and Morenci, serviced by the Southern Pacific RR. Beyond the industrial centers, the map reveals the transition into the preserved landscapes of the Apache National Forest and the Gila Wilderness. Settlement patterns follow the river valleys, with small communities like Luna, Reserve, and Glenwood clustered along the San Francisco River and Tularosa River. The map is particularly useful for identifying the relative positions of high peaks such as Mount Baldy and Whitewater Baldy against the distinct topography of the Mogollon Rim, providing a clear view of the region before modern development expanded into the backcountry.