Loading map...

1943 Map of Las Cruces

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Las Cruces
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

Las Cruces and its surrounding agricultural colonies define this 1940s landscape along the valley of the Rio Grande. The map documents a critical period of infrastructure, showing a sophisticated network of water management features including the Leasburg Canal, Las Cruces Lateral, and Mesilla Drainage Canal. These systems supported the growth of settlements like Shalem Colony and Fairacres, while the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe RR provided the primary industrial link to the wider region.

Institutional landmarks are prominent, from the New Mexico State College and its Animal Husbandry Ranch to the historic Ruins of Fort Selden near the Leasburg Dam. In the heart of town, the presence of the Loretto Academy and the High Sch suggests the established civic character of the area. Beyond the valley, the terrain rises sharply into the Doña Ana Mountains, featuring landmarks like Doña Ana Peak and Robledo Mtn.