1980 Map of Markham Dam

About this map

Cataract Canyon and its many seasonal watercourses define the high plateau landscape of northern Coconino County. The geography of this area is heavily shaped by cattle ranching and water management, as evidenced by a dense network of catchments and containment structures. Major landmarks include Markham Dam and Perrin Dam, which along with numerous specialized reservoirs like Little Rodgers Tanks and Mahan Tank, supported the pastoral economy of the late 20th century. The intricate drainage patterns of Monument Wash and Brown Dams reveal the complex way water is directed across this arid terrain. This 1980 survey serves as a precise record of these hydrological improvements before modern environmental or land-use changes altered the region's infrastructure.