1948 Map of Lake Lucero SE

About this map

White Sands Proving Ground and the Fort Bliss Anti-Aircraft Range dominate this desert landscape as it appeared just after the war. The map provides a detailed view of the high-stakes military geography in the Tularosa Basin, where surveying and aerial photography from 1946 and 1948 document a region dedicated to tactical development and defense. Amidst the specialized training grounds, water sources like Burch Tank, Dousette Tank, and the lone Windmill Water reveal the essential infrastructure required to support operations in this arid environment. Further south, Tompson Reservoir marks a significant catchment point. This survey reflects the early Cold War era when this portion of Otero County became a focal point for aerospace and weapons testing, showing the transition of once-open range into restricted military airspace and proving grounds.