Loading map...

1958 Map of Elgin

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Elgin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Elgin serves as a central point of reference in this late 1950s survey of the high desert grasslands where Santa Cruz and Pima counties meet. The settlement is positioned along the Southern Pacific railroad line, which cuts a sharp diagonal through the landscape. The surrounding area is characterized by an extensive network of drainages and canyons, including Cienega Creek, Gardner Canyon, and Smith Canyon. To the east, the Mustang Mts rise above the basin, while the southern portion of the map is defined by the San Ignacio Del Babocomari grant and the Babocomari River.

Cultural landmarks significant for local history and genealogy are clearly documented, notably the Fruitland Cemetery located west of the townsite and another smaller Cemetery situated just east of the main cluster of buildings in Elgin. The map also traces modern infrastructure development through the presence of a notable Pipeline corridor and State Route 82. The distribution of scattered reservoirs and water tanks highlights the essential role of water management in this cattle-ranching and ranching-adjacent terrain.