1893 Map of Las Cruces

About this map

The Rio Grande valley serves as the central artery of settlement in this 1890s survey, with the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad paralleling its course. To the east, the sharp elevations of the Organ Mountains and the Franklin Range create a formidable barrier, punctuated by the mining-era settlement at Organ City near San Augustin Peak. The map captures the regional importance of Las Cruces and the neighboring community of Mesilla, alongside several smaller riverfront plazas like San Miguel and La Mesa. At the northern end of the valley, Fort Selden stands near the base of Roblero Mt, marking a site of strategic military significance along the old river routes. The southern landscape is defined by the sweeping approach of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which enters the valley floor from the west near Afton, reflecting the era's competitive expansion of rail infrastructure across the Mesilla Valley.