1920 Map of Columbus

About this map

The high desert of Luna County meets the international border at the settlement of Columbus, a critical junction defined by the El Paso and Southwestern railroad. In this era, the landscape is dotted with remote outposts and family ranching operations such as Stephenson Ranch and Rascon Ranch, which relied on scarce water sources like Niggerhead Spring and Stiles Reservoir. The presence of the Mayfield School and Sunnyside School reflects a sparse but organized frontier community. Transport is dictated by the Deming Road and the rail line, while the southern margin explicitly marks the United States Mexico Boundary Line and the Boundary Gate, illustrating the proximity of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. This survey captures a specific moment in the borderlands history, shortly after the region gained national attention for military activity.