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1959 Map of Magdalena

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Magdalena
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

The mining-driven geography of the Magdalena Mountains defines this 1959 survey of Socorro County. At the heart of the district lies the settlement of Magdalena, serving as a terminal point for the Aitchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad line. To the southeast, the mountain slopes are deeply marked by the region's industrial heritage, featuring a concentration of shafts and tunnels including the Graphic Mine, the Hardscrabble Mine, and the Paschal Shaft near the settlement of Kelly.

Beyond the industrial center, the landscape transitions into the expansive Cibola National Forest, where high-altitude landmarks like North Baldy and Magdalena Peak overlook numerous family-named ranching operations. Features such as the A Strozzi Ranch, Papa Ranch, and Courtney Ranch are scattered across the canyons, while more isolated outposts like Frenchies Cabin and the Water Canyon Lodge suggest the area's mixed use for ranching, timber, and recreation.