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1889 Map of Largo

Name: 1889 Topographic Map of Largo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1889
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1889

About this map

The confluence of the Animas River and San Juan River anchors this high-desert landscape in northwestern New Mexico during the late nineteenth century. At this time, the settlement of Bloomfield and the small outpost of Largo represent the primary points of human habitation within the sprawling Rio Arriba territory. The map reveals a complex network of drainage systems and geological formations, dominated by the deep incisions of Largo Cañon and Gobernador Cañon.

Tracing the topography south of the river valleys reveals isolated landmarks such as Angels Peak, El Huerfanito, and El Huerfano, which stood as vital orientation points for travelers through the high mesas. The presence of Stinking Lakes Sinks and Horse Lake to the east highlights the sparse but critical water sources in a region defined by extensive arroyos like Escavada Wash and the archaeologically significant depths of Chaco Cañon.