1972 Map of Fort Hancock NW

About this map

The Rio Grande forms the international boundary between the United States and Mexico in this arid landscape along the El Paso and Hudspeth County line. The era's heavy reliance on water management for agriculture is evident in the complex network of irrigation features, including the Main Canal, Kelly Lateral, and the Tornillo Drain. These systems supported local operations like the Sand Ranch and the small settlement of Tornillo, while the Southern Pacific railroad provided the primary transportation artery through the desert valley. A Roadside Park along the highway and a Gaging Sta near the river denote the intersection of 1970s infrastructure and the natural riverine environment. The presence of a Gravel Pit and scattered wells suggests localized industrial activity and water extraction in a region defined by its proximity to the Mexican border.