1963 Map of Hosta Butte

About this map

Hosta Butte rises as a central landmark in this high-elevation landscape within Cibola Nat For, marking a significant topographical point in McKinley County. The Continental Divide winds through the terrain, dictating the flow of seasonal drainages like the Puerco River. Cultural and industrial activity is centered around the Bethesda Navajo Mission near the shores of Smith Lake, while the local economy is evidenced by the Black Jack Mine No 1 and its associated Tailings to the north. Water sources are scarce in this arid region, making named features such as Ruby Well and House Lake critical for local livestock and human use. A small Landing Strip further emphasizes the isolation and specialized infrastructure required in this part of New Mexico during the early 1960s.