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1955 Map of Davies Tank

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Davies Tank
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1994
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1994

About this map

The Organ Mountains dominate the western edge of this mid-century survey, casting long shadows over a landscape defined by desert hydrology and military expansion. This territory, spanning the border of Doña Ana and Otero counties, is primarily occupied by the White Sands Missile Range and the Fort Bliss Military Reservation. The desert floor is marked by a network of essential water sources such as Davies Tank, Globe Well, and Goodin Well, which supported ranching interests before the land was consolidated for military use.

Defense infrastructure is prominent throughout the eastern plains, most notably at Condron Army Airfield. The map reveals the stark contrast between the sharp relief of Texas Canyon and Ash Canyon in the mountains and the broad, alluvial fans that lead down toward the Arroyo Salado. Small settlements like White Sands and Glendale appear on the fringes, providing a record of local habitation in this strategic corridor of southern New Mexico.