1960 Map of Duncan

About this map

Duncan and Franklin anchor the agricultural and transport corridor of the Gila River valley in this 1960 field-checked survey. The Southern Pacific Railroad parallels the river, supporting a local economy evidenced by a Cotton Gin and a nearby Gaging Sta. The terrain transitions sharply from the irrigated river bottom to the high peaks of the Peloncillo Mountains, where Whitlock Peak stands as a prominent landmark. To the west, the arid Whitlock Valley contains scattered water sources like Hot Well, while the eastern portion of the map crosses the border into New Mexico to include Virden. This area is characterized by a sophisticated system of small water management features, including Horseshoe Terrace Dam and various reservoirs in Dagger Draw, reflecting the essential nature of water rights and ranching infrastructure in the high desert.