1950 Map of Little Black Peak

About this map

The Malpais lava flow dominates the southern portion of this mid-century New Mexico landscape, centered on the volcanic landmark of Little Black Peak. The terrain is characterized by the stark contrast between the igneous expanse of Lava beds and the surrounding canyon systems, including Largo Canyon and Coyote Canyon. Infrastructure of the era is represented by the Southern Pacific railroad corridor, which follows the eastern edge of the volcanic field, passing through the small siding of Cooper. To the southeast, the geography rises into the high country of the Lincoln National Forest, where prominent summits like Lone Mountain and Baxter Mountain overlook the Ancho Valley. The presence of the Socorro Co Lincoln Co boundary line demonstrates the remote nature of this high-desert region during the early 1950s.