Loading map...

1972 Map of Malpie Mountain

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Malpie Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Malpie Mountain and Barela Mountain anchor this high plains landscape in Union County, where the terrain is defined by volcanic features and isolated peaks. During the early 1970s, this area remained largely open rangeland, marked by a critical network of water sources essential for cattle ranching. The map documents numerous numbered wells and localized water features like Rosey Windmill, which served the scattered homesteads and grazing operations of the region.

Drainage patterns are clearly visible through the winding Barela Canyon and the course of Armijo Creek, which flows toward Armijo Spring in the southwest. The presence of Malpie Lake and Moore Lake suggests seasonal water catchment in a semi-arid environment. For those tracing the history of land use, the map also identifies Lonesome Mountain and King Mountain, providing a detailed look at the namesake peaks that have long served as landmarks for travelers and locals in this corner of New Mexico.