1961 Map of East Mesa

About this map

The Laguna Indian Reservation and Acoma Indian Reservation converge in this high-desert landscape, defined by the massive plateau of East Mesa. In the early 1960s, this area was a working rangeland where topographical features like Ojo Canyon and Paradise Canyon dictated the flow of water and human movement. Settlement and activity are concentrated around precious water sources and natural landmarks, such as the Frank Paisano Spring and the Petaca Pinta Dam, which includes a noted spillway elevation. Evidence of long-standing human presence is marked by Ruins and the Southwest Plaza, while then-contemporary ranching operations are anchored by the Sarracino Ranch and Wilson Windmill. A network of Jeep Trails provides the primary access through the broken terrain, winding past geological curiosities like Needle Pinnacle and extensive deposits of Lava.