1989 Map of Mesa Cencerro

About this map

Antonio Ortiz and the surrounding tablelands define this high-desert landscape in San Miguel County, where seasonal drainages and vital water sources dictated the patterns of land use. The map reveals a complex network of mesas, including Mesa Apache, West Mesa, and East Mesa, separated by deep canyons such as Cañon de las Mujeres. Water security for livestock is evident through numerous named springs, including Alamito Springs, Chupinas Spring, and Guiverdes Spring, alongside a dense concentration of check dams along Chupinas Creek and Rincon Creek. These features, coupled with various corral sites, reflect a resilient ranching economy adapted to the arid terrain of the late 20th century. The intricate topography of Mesas Cuatas and the named pastures further illustrate how geographic boundaries and natural features organized this territory.