1942 Map of Comobabi

About this map

North Comobabi Mountains and the South Comobabi Mountains dominate this 1937 topographical survey, revealing the remote settlement patterns within the Papago Indian Reservation. The map records a landscape defined by isolated wells and mining operations, such as the Picacho Mine and Cooncan Mine, which were active or significant enough to be noted in the late 1930s. Small communities like Sil Nakya, Ko Vaya, and Santa Lucia are shown connected by primitive roads and trails that traverse the arid Santa Rosa Valley. This survey captures the region's reliance on groundwater, marking numerous dams and points like Sand Wells and Dry Well, which were critical for both local inhabitants and the small-scale mining industry that sought mineral wealth in the Nicki Hills and surrounding ranges.