2023 Map of Des Moines

About this map

Des Moines serves as the central hub of this high-plains landscape in Union County, where the village streets like Broadway Ave and College Ave meet the rural ranching roads of northeastern New Mexico. The terrain is defined by a series of volcanic and erosional features, from the massive Sierra Grande in the southwest to the distinctive peaks of Twin Mountain and Carr Mountain. These elevations are cut by numerous drainage systems including Travesser Creek and the North Branch Corrumpa Creek, which flow through various named breaks such as Fowler Canyon and Cow Canyon. Local history is anchored by the presence of the Des Moines Cem and the Des Moines Catholic Cem, while family names are preserved in landmarks like Purvine Hills and Purvine Mesa. The mapping reveals a transition from the structured town grid to the wide-open geography of mesa tops and springs like Mitchel Springs.