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 boundary line. The settlement landscape is defined by the El Paso and Southwestern railroad, which cuts across the high desert terrain from east to west. Education in this borderland is represented by rural institutions like Mayfield School and Sunnyside School, while family operations such as Stephenson Ranch and Rascon Ranch occupy the flats and foothills. To the west, the Tres Hermanas Mountains rise sharply, providing a distinct geographic barrier. The map highlights the critical infrastructure of the era, from the Deming Road to water sources like Niggerhead Spring and Deans Well, alongside the official Boundary Gate at the international border.