Loading map...

1943 Map of La Mesa

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of La Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

The Mesilla Valley dominates this 1941 survey, showing a landscape defined by an intricate network of irrigation and drainage that supported the region's agricultural colonies. The Rio Grande is flanked by the West Side Canal and the Chamberino Drainage Canal, reflecting the massive engineering efforts required to manage water in the high desert. Settlement patterns follow the river and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, with towns like Vado and Mesquite serving as transit points for local produce.

To the east, the terrain rises sharply into the Organ Mountains and Franklin Mountains, where landmarks such as Bishop Cap and North Anthonys Nose tower over the valley floor. For genealogists, the map preserves the locations of numerous rural institutions including the Memorial Ridge Cem, Brazito Sch, and San Luis Ch, alongside private family holdings like the Beasley Homestead and Mossman Ranch.