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1917 Map of Hermanas

Name: 1917 Topographic Map of Hermanas
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1917
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1917

About this map

The southern border of New Mexico and Chihuahua defines the character of this 1917 topographic study, conducted in cooperation with the War Department. The landscape is dominated by the Tres Hermanas Mountains in the east and the Cedar Grove Mtns to the west, with the El Paso and Southwestern Road cutting a diagonal path across the desert floor. This rail line serves as the primary artery for isolated settlements like Hermanas and Mimbres, which anchor a network of remote outposts and family holdings.

Life in this arid region centered on critical water sources like Carrizalillo Spring and a series of established ranching operations, including Dogtown Ranch, White House Ranch, and Simpson Ranch. The proximity to the United States Mexico Boundary Line highlights the strategic and military importance of the survey, which was overseen by topographic engineer Glenn S. Smith during a period of heightened cross-border activity.