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1958 Map of Elephant Butte

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Elephant Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Rio Grande serves as the central artery for this high-desert landscape, dominated by the massive Elephant Butte Reservoir and the engineering feat of the Elephant Butte Dam. The map documents a pivotal era for the community of Truth or Consequences, shown here following its famous name change, with local landmarks like St Anne Hospital and the Natl Guard Armory clearly identified within the city boundary.

Beyond the urban center, the map reveals layers of territorial and frontier history, including the vast Pedro Armendaris No 33 Grant Boundary and the Fort McRae (Historical Site) overlooking McRae Canyon. Cultural features such as the Elephant Butte Cem and recreational spots like Lions Beach and Hot Springs Landing illustrate how the reservoir transformed the economy and social life of Sierra County during the mid-20th century.