1966 Map of Maxson Crater

About this map

The Mora Mountains dominate the landscape of this mid-1960s survey, representing a significant topographical transition in northeastern New Mexico. Historically significant transit routes skirt the high ground, including the Santa Fe Trail (Mountain Route) and the Wagon Mound Cutoff, marking the paths of nineteenth-century commerce and migration. The southwestern corner of the map captures a portion of Fort Union National Monument, reflecting the area's strategic importance in the territorial era. To the east, the volcanic legacy of the region is evident in the prominent Maxson Crater and the adjacent Baldy Mountain. The drainage pattern is defined by seasonal watercourses like Cottonwood Creek and Turkey Creek, which carve deep canyons through the highlands. Small-scale features such as Needam Spring and Arroyo Needam provide insight into the localized water sources critical for ranching and settlement in this semi-arid environment.