1965 Map of Iron Mountain

About this map

Iron Mountain and the surrounding high desert of southwestern New Mexico are defined by a complex mining history and rugged canyon systems in the mid-1960s. Located along the eastern edge of the Gila National Forest, the landscape is marked by historic mineral claims including the Invincible Mine, Bellboy Mine, and Blackhawk Mine. The small settlement at Grafton sits near Turkey Creek, while pastoral life is represented by the isolated Sage Ranch and Moore Ranch. This area marks a significant jurisdictional meeting point where the boundaries of Catron, Socorro, and Sierra counties converge. The network of dry washes and canyons, such as Poverty Creek and Hipp Creek, illustrates the seasonal water patterns essential to both the cattle ranching and mining operations that once sustained this remote territory.