1974 Map of Kansas Valley

About this map

Kansas Valley defines this portion of Harding County, where the high plains are carved by a network of seasonal watercourses and drainage basins. During this mid-1970s survey, the landscape was primarily organized around livestock management, evidenced by the strategic placement of family-named water sources like Jackson Windmill, Nugen Windmill, and Slusher Windmill. The terrain is characterized by broad draws and creek beds, including Spear Draw and Carrizo Creek, which provided essential natural corridors in this arid environment. The map details a ranching economy where infrastructure is sparse but vital, noting improvements such as the Spear Tank and West Spear Windmill that sustained operations across the open range. This topographical study captures the intersection of natural hydrology and human ranching heritage in northeastern New Mexico.