1967 Map of La Rendija

About this map

Monte Seco and the drainage of La Rendija define this arid landscape in west-central New Mexico during the late 1960s. The map illustrates a high-desert environment where water management was central to local survival and livestock management, as seen in the distribution of improvements like Laguna Macho, Tanque Pendejo, and Montoso Tank. Small-scale ranching and land use are evident through named sites such as The Vega in the northwest, near the Indian Reservation Boundary, and isolated dwellings or stations like Julian Place and Luis Well. The terrain is characterized by complex topography, including the elevated profile of Cerro Gatos. This survey captures the rural character of the region before significant modern development, emphasizing the relationship between limited water resources and the sparse settlements that relied upon them.