1948 Map of Hamm Canyon

About this map

Mexico Mines and the Lookout Mine mark the northern uplands of this 1948 survey, a landscape defined by the deep drainage systems of San Miguel County. The terrain is characterized by the convergence of major geographic depressions, specifically Gypsum Valley and Disappointment Valley, which are separated by high ridges and prominent landmarks like Cape Horn. The Dolores River winds through the western portion of the map, fed by several significant watercourses including Big Gypsum Creek and Joe Davis Canyon. Produced in cooperation with the United States Atomic Energy Commission, the map reflects the post-war era of geological exploration in the Colorado Plateau. The intricate network of washes, such as Nicholas Wash and Dugout Wash, highlights the erosional patterns of the high desert plateau, while named springs and canyons provide critical reference points for historical mineral exploration and livestock grazing routes.