1961 Map of Johnson Trading Post

About this map

Johnson Trading Post serves as the focal point of this arid landscape in Sandoval County, situated amidst a network of high mesas and desert washes. The map documents a sparsely populated region defined by livestock and early energy exploration, evidenced by numerous Well sites, Oil Wells, and Drill Holes. Terrain features like Eagle Mesa and Rock Fork Mesa dominate the topography, while seasonal water sources such as Penistaja Spring and Max Lopez Spring provide critical landmarks in the high desert. Local life in the early 1960s is anchored by the trading post and a small Cem, reflecting the persistence of small-scale ranching and remote commerce. The inclusion of a Landing Strip near Arroyo Jarido highlights the area's isolation and the importance of aerial transport for reaching these remote mesas.