1979 Map of Mack Tanks

About this map

Fort Bliss Military Reservation (McGregor Range) dominates this high-desert landscape of Otero County, revealing the critical infrastructure required for military operations in an arid environment. The map details a network of vital water catchments known as tanks, which served both historical ranching and modern tactical needs. From Little Crockett Tank in the north to the namesake Mack Tanks near Mack Draw in the south, these localized water sources define the movement patterns across the basin. The eastern edge is carved by deep drainages including Hay Meadow Canyon and Martin Canyon, providing topographic relief against the flatter stretches where various Jeep Trails crisscross the range. This 1970s survey captures a specific moment in the land management of the McGregor Range, illustrating how natural features like Hay Meadow Tank were integrated into the reservation's geography.