1962 Map of Clifton

About this map

The Morenci Open Pit dominates this industrial landscape, illustrating the massive scale of copper mining in eastern Arizona during the early 1960s. This survey details the complex infrastructure supporting the mine, including an extensive Tailings Pond, a Leaching Pond, and a Smelter near Morenci. The geography reveals a transition from these heavy industrial zones to the rugged wilderness of the Apache National Forest and the San Carlos Indian Reservation. Historic settlement patterns are visible through the proximity of Clifton to the San Francisco River, while the presence of Metcalf (Site) and Oroville (Site) marks the location of former mining communities. Connectivity is provided by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the winding Coronado Trail, which cuts through the high terrain past Mitchell Peak and the Prieto Plateau.