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1981 Map of Columbus

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Columbus
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The international border between United States and Mexico anchors this map, which documents the arid high-desert landscape of Luna and Doña Ana counties during the early 1980s. Centered on Columbus, the map details a region defined by its history of border conflict and mineral extraction, most notably preserved at Pancho Villa State Park. The terrain is dominated by isolated volcanic ranges and peaks, including the Tres Hermanas Mountains and West Potrillo Mountains, while a network of drainage features like Suckerville Draw and Seventysix Draw illustrate the local topography.

Industrial and transit history is evident through the Old Railroad Grade and specialized sites like the Mahoney Mines and a Gravel Pit. Small named settlements such as Arena, Hermanas, and Tomerlin are scattered across the flats, connected by a network of primary roads and local Jeep Trails. The presence of a Radio Tower and various mines suggests a mix of mid-century infrastructure and long-standing desert industry near the Chihuahua border.