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1996 Map of Crocker

Name: 1996 Topographic Map of Crocker
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2002
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2002

About this map

The Fra Cristobal Range dominates this portion of Sierra County, New Mexico, forming a high ridge that separates the desert plains. Along the eastern foothills, the settlement of Crocker serves as a lone point of habitation, while the Pedro Armendaris No 33 land grant defines much of the central plateau. The landscape is deeply incised by a series of drainages, including Hellion Canyon, Eagle Canyon, and Cottonwood Canyon, which carry seasonal runoff from the peaks toward the lower basins.

Evidence of ranching life and water management in this arid environment is found at Deep Well Ranch, Spellmeyer Well, and Bert Cook Well. Movement through the difficult mountain terrain is focused on specific natural breaks like Red Gap, Chalk Gap, and the ominously named Massacre Gap. These mountain passes and remote water sources like Walnut Springs highlight the strategic geography required for travel and livestock in the late twentieth century.