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1953 Map of Espanola

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Espanola
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

The Rio Grande valley north of Santa Fe serves as a corridor of ancient settlements and modern infrastructure in the early 1950s. The landscape is defined by the convergence of several major tributaries, including the Santa Cruz River and the Pojoaque River, which sustain a network of agricultural communities and traditional land grants. Central to this area are the historic Santa Clara Pueblo and San Ildefonso Pueblo, surrounded by smaller ranching and residential clusters like La Mesilla and Jacona.

Transport and education are clearly visible, with the D & R G W RR line running through Espanola and the prominent Kit Carson Highway facilitating movement through the valley. Local community life is anchored by landmarks such as McCurdy Ch and the San Antonio de Padua del Rancho church. Traces of the changing landscape appear in the La Mesilla School (Aband) and various Gravel Pits, reflecting shifting populations and local industry during this post-war period.