1963 Map of Mesa Cherisco

About this map

Mesa Cherisco rises above a landscape defined by ranching and vital water access at the boundary of San Miguel and Guadalupe counties. Mapping in the early 1960s reveals a sparse settlement pattern focused on livestock, with family-named outposts such as Boylan Ranch and Pino Ranch situated near reliable drainages. The importance of groundwater is evident in the numerous namesake sources including Pino Spring, Pino Well, Cherisco Well, and Barrajon Well. To the north, Pino Creek and Garita Creek carve through the terrain, while a modern Pipeline cuts across the southern portion of the quadrangle near the settlement of Barrajon. This survey provides a clear view of the arid plateau's transition into the Preston Beck grant, showing how topographic features like Cuervo Hill served as navigational landmarks for those working these remote New Mexico rangelands.