1892 Map of Marsh Pass

About this map

The high plateaus and deep sandstone canyons of the Navajo Indian Reservation Line are captured here during an era of early exploration directed by J.W. Powell. Centered on the critical geographic bottleneck of Marsh Pass, the topography reveals a complex network of ephemeral water sources and traditional landmarks. Named springs such as Chil-Chi-Vi-To Spring and Tu-go-hot-tas-e Spring indicate the vital reliance on small water caches across the arid landscape. The map emphasizes the isolation of the Skeleton Mesa and the massive Zilh-Le-Jini Mesa, where vertical relief defines the movement through the territory. Distinctive geological formations like the Agathla Needle and Cha-ez-kla Rock serve as primary navigation points in a region where travel followed the natural drainage of Moencopie Wash and the steep cuts of Paiute Canyon.