1950 Map of Lake Lucero

About this map

The San Andres Mountains dominate the western edge of this 1950 desert landscape, providing a stark vertical contrast to the expansive Alkali Flat and gypsum deposits of the White Sands National Monument. The basin floor is centered on Lake Lucero, a large ephemeral water body that serves as a primary source for the region's famous white sands. This era shows the intersection of conservation and military history, as the San Andres National Wildlife Refuge and White Sands Proving Grounds occupy much of the terrain. Human presence in this harsh environment is sparse but marked by the Lucero Ranch and a Windmill Water source near the center of the sheet, indicating the localized reliance on groundwater. Topographical features like Ash Canyon cut through the western ridges, illustrating the drainage patterns that feed into the interior basin.