1950 Map of Dorsey Ranch

About this map

Gila National Forest ranching and mining landforms dominate this 1950s era survey of Grant County. The topography is defined by complex canyon systems and flat-topped mesas, including Slick Rock Mesa and Dorsey Mesa, which provided natural boundaries for early grazing operations. Significant family-named ranch sites such as the Dorsey Ranch, Burris H W Ranch, and Avery Ranch are marked, showing the remote settlement pattern in this corner of the state. Water sources were essential for survival here, evidenced by the location of Seep Springs, Lee Spring, and Dorsey Spring. A small Quarry in the southeastern quadrant and several windmills point to the modest industrial and agricultural infrastructure maintained in these high-altitude drainages, while the network of unimproved dirt roads and light-duty paths through Bear Creek and Greenwood Canyon illustrate the difficulty of early transit through the area.