1955 Map of Las Cruces

About this map

The Rio Grande valley serves as the central corridor for this mid-century survey, anchoring the agricultural and educational hub of Las Cruces. This era captures the region's transition into a center for scientific research and aerospace, evidenced by the presence of the California Institute of Technology and proximity to the Holloman Air Force Base. Traditional desert life remains visible through scattered settlements like Hatch, Mesilla, and Dona Ana, while the northern reach of the Franklin Mountains and the dramatic Organ Mountains provide sharp relief against the desert floor.