1964 Map of Frutosa Lake

About this map

The Mora River winds through a landscape defined by deep canyons and high plateaus in this mid-1960s survey of northeastern New Mexico. This region at the border of Mora and San Miguel Counties illustrates a dispersed ranching economy, where survival depends on water sources like Frutosa Lake, Morrison Lake, and the naturally occurring Cabra Spring. The map documents the specific infrastructure of the era's land management, marking family-named ranching outposts such as Wiggins Ranch and Berlier Ranch alongside a series of vital water-pumping landmarks including Morrison Windmill and Taylor Windmill. Landforms such as Mejan Mesa and the wooded heights of Altos Pinos separate the various drainages of Pedroso Creek and Carrizo Creek. Local history is anchored by the Escondido Cem, located near the northern reaches of the Cañon Escondido.