1920 Map of Columbus

About this map

The town of Columbus serves as the central hub of this 1917 survey of Luna County, capturing the borderlands just after a period of intense military activity and international focus. The landscape is defined by the sharp transition between the Hermanas Mountains in the west and the arid flats to the east, crisscrossed by the El Paso and Southwestern railroad. This transportation corridor was vital for the region's ranching economy, connecting remote outposts like Stephenson Ranch and Raseon Ranch to larger markets. Along the southern edge, the United States Mexico boundary is clearly delineated, featuring the Boundary Gate and the New Mexico Chihuahua line. Evidence of early 20th-century rural life is scattered across the desert, from established settlements like Waterloo and Loma Vista to isolated landmarks such as Mayfield School and Sunnyside School, providing a detailed view of the infrastructure supporting this high-desert frontier.