1932 Map of Elgin

About this map

Coronado National Forest dominates the terrain of this 1932 tactical survey, illustrating a landscape defined by expansive ranch lands and high-desert canyons. The Southern Pacific railroad serves as a central artery, connecting the settlement of Elgin with the Sonoita P.O. and historical sites like Old Ft Crittenden. This era reflects a transition where traditional cattle ranching, represented by numerous family-named properties such as Gardner's Ranch, Ashburn Ranch, and the Turner-Bower Ranch, coexisted with modern infrastructure like State Highway No. 83. The drainage of the Babocomari River and various springs, including Apache Spring and Monkey Spring, highlights the critical importance of water sources in this Santa Cruz County environment. Canyons like Vaughn Canyon and Redrock Canyon cut through the foothills, delineating the boundaries of the national forest and private landholdings.