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1964 Map of Field Ranch

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Field Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

Oro Mesa Del dominates the northern landscape of this high desert region on the border of Valencia and Socorro counties. Mapped in the mid-1960s, the terrain is defined by a network of water management features essential for livestock, including School Section Tank, Snake Tank, and the uniquely named Coal Oil Johnnie Tank. Small family outposts and ranching hubs like Pino Place, Payne Place, and the central Field Ranch are connected by a system of rugged tracks, including a designated Jeep Trail.

The presence of a private Landing Strip at the ranch headquarters indicates the scale of operations in this expansive territory. Natural water sources like Friday Spring and Gag Spring contrast with man-made improvements, while topographic landmarks such as Cerro Pelon and Gag Mesa provide orientation. This survey illustrates the persistence of cattle ranching in the arid New Mexican interior, where survival depended on named springs and carefully maintained water tanks scattered across the draws.