1954 Map of Gomez Ranch

About this map

Gomez Ranch and the San Juan Camp anchor this mid-century look at the Rio Arriba highlands, where the local economy was shifting from traditional ranching toward energy development. The landscape is defined by the winding paths of La Jara Creek and Frances Creek, which carve deep through La Jara Canyon and La Fragua Canyon. While a solitary Cem and Windmill indicate the persistence of early settlement and livestock raising, the proliferation of numerous Gas Well sites and an extensive network of Pipeline corridors signify the arrival of the modern oil and gas industry. A remote Landing Strip near the center of the sheet further illustrates the logistical efforts required to support these industrial operations in a territory traditionally dominated by isolated homesteads and rugged drainages.