1947 Map of Lake Lucero

About this map

Lake Lucero and the surrounding Alkali Flat dominate this desert landscape during a period of transition between ranching history and modern military activity. The 1947 field survey captures the isolated Lucero Ranch, Saunders Ranch, and White Ranch scattered across the Tularosa Basin, existing alongside the expanding White Sands Proving Ground and Fort Bliss ranges. The western edge of the map is defined by the steep terrain of Goat Mountain and Black Mountain, where vital water sources like San Nicolas Spring and San Juan Spring supported local operations. Numerous tanks and wells, such as Dousette Tank and Letherman Well, underscore the importance of water management in this arid environment. The map also shows the presence of the California Institute of Technology within the ordnance boundaries, reflecting the area's mid-century role in scientific and ballistic research.