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1963 Map of Fort Union

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Fort Union
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Fort Union National Monument serves as the central focal point of this geographic study, preserving the extensive Ruins and Headquarters of the key frontier military post. Located near the Mora River, the site reflects its critical 19th-century role as a guardian of western commerce. The legendary Santa Fe Trail is clearly delineated as it passes through the valley, providing a tangible link to the era of overland wagon trade.

The surrounding terrain is dominated by the massive Black Mesa and the winding course of Higgins Canyon. Local landmarks such as the Fort Union Cem and the Chaves Ranch offer valuable data points for genealogists and historians tracking settlement patterns in Mora. Hydrological features like Wolf Creek and Wheeler Lake further define the semi-arid landscape, illustrating how water resources dictated the placement of both military and civilian outposts.