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1972 Map of Little Grande

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Little Grande
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Sierra Grande dominates the western half of this Union County landscape, rising sharply above the high plains of northeastern New Mexico. This 1970s-era topographic study illustrates a sparsely populated ranching environment where life and movement are dictated by water and terrain. The Colorado and Southern railroad cuts a diagonal line across the eastern flats, providing a vital transportation artery through the territory near Little Grande.

Surface water is marked by the North Branch and South Branch of Corrumpa Creek, while the presence of named infrastructure like Daniel Windmill, Houston Windmill, and Moon Windmill highlights the importance of groundwater for cattle ranching in the arid high country. From the Jeep Trail winding through the volcanic slopes to the various Gravel Pits near the tracks, the map reveals a quiet landscape focused on extraction and livestock.