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1946 Map of Malaga

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Malaga
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1946
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1946

About this map

Malaga sits near the confluence of the Black River and Pecos River, serving as a central hub for the irrigation and ranching operations of southern New Mexico. This mid-century survey documents a landscape defined by an extensive network of water infrastructure, including an Irrigation Canal and numerous remote watering points such as Willow Lake, Queen Lake, and Horseshoe Lake. The influence of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad is evident, paralleling the course of U. S. 285 through the river valley.

Deep into the high desert terrain, the map reveals a rugged economy of scattered cattle operations and early military activity. Family-named landmarks like Cottonwood Ranch, Reeves Ranch, and Welch Ranch are connected by a web of draws such as Salt Draw and Hay Hollow Draw. Distinctive historical markers include a Bombing Target and a series of isolated windmills and wells, like Harkey Double Mills and Chinaberry Well, which were essential for survival in this arid environment before modern development.