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1943 Map of Finlay Mountains

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Finlay Mountains
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

The Finlay Mountains dominate this high-desert landscape of Hudspeth County, where a complex network of ranching and rail infrastructure supported early 1940s life. The southern edge of the quadrangle is defined by the critical transportation corridor shared by the Southern Pacific and Texas and Pacific railroads, punctuated by small sidings and stops like Madden, Ramey, and Finlay. This rail line runs parallel to U. S. Route No. 80, marking the primary artery through the arid terrain.

Survival in the backcountry relied on a sophisticated system of water management, evidenced by dozens of named catchments such as Old John Tank, Marr Tanks, and Yeada Tank. These water sources served remote operations like Wilkie Ranch and Cavett Ranch. The map captures a transitional era where traditional ranching coexisted with modern transit, set against dramatic geological features like the prominent Rimrock and the steep descents of Prince Albert Canyon.