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1966 Map of Higbee

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Higbee
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Higbee serves as the focal point of this mid-1960s survey, situated where the high plains meet the intricate drainage system of the Purgatoire River. The landscape is defined by its water management and agricultural infrastructure, evidenced by the Ninemile Canal winding through the Ninemile Valley. This is a rural settlement pattern where life centered around local institutions, including the Higbee Valley Sch and the Higbee Cem, alongside outlying cattle operations like the Patton Ranch.

Arroyos such as Alkali Arroyo, Salt Arroyo, and McMahon Arroyo score the terrain, leading down toward the river valley from higher elevations like Valley View. The geography illustrates the reliance on seasonal water sources and specific canyon passages, such as Vogel Canyon and Smith Canyon, which dictated the placement of small communities like Vogel and the network of unimproved roads connecting them across the Otero and Bent County lines.