1917 Map of Columbus

About this map

Columbus serves as the focal point of this 1917 survey, situated just north of the United States Mexico international Boundary Line. The town is the primary hub of the region, positioned at the intersection of the El Paso and Southwestern railroad and the Deming Road. This period of borderlands history is marked by a landscape of isolated outposts and educational centers, including Mayfield School and Sunnyside School, alongside family-run operations like Stephenson Ranch and Rascon Ranch. To the west, the jagged peaks of the Tres Hermanas Mountains rise sharply above the desert floor, concealing sources such as Niggerhead Spring. The geography reflects a sparse, arid environment where water is a vital resource, evidenced by the presence of Deans Well, Stiles Reservoir, and the intermittent Arroyo Palomas. This map provides a look at the border region shortly after the 1916 raid on Columbus, showing the tactical layout of the town and its proximity to the Boundary Gate.