1963 Map of Mesa Lauriano

About this map

Mesa Lauriano and its surrounding plateau landscape define this mid-century topographic survey of San Miguel County. The land is characterized by steep-sided mesas and intricate drainage patterns, with the high ground of Mesa De Los Carros and Mesa Montosa overlooking the winding path of the Gallinas River. Human presence is marked by agricultural engineering and the remnants of earlier settlements along the valley floor. Researchers can trace the path of the Chaperito Ditch, an irrigation feature supporting the riverside lands, and identify old homestead sites such as Los Torres and San Lorenzo. These ruins, alongside the isolated Hatch Windmill and the settlement of Aguilar, suggest a transition in land use or a shift in population during the mid-20th century. The presence of a Jeep Trail ascending the mesa highlights the era's reliance on rugged transportation to navigate the complex terrain of Antonio Ortiz and the neighboring canyons.