1973 Map of Mescal

About this map

Mescal and its high-desert surroundings are defined by the critical junction of the Southern Pacific railroad and the early interstate highway system. This 1970s landscape shows the integration of ranching and modern infrastructure, where established operations like the Double X Ranch and Jay Six Ranch share the terrain with a network of pipelines and communications towers. The settlement of Paso and the Williams Ranch are situated along the margins of the Coronado National Forest, highlighting the area's transition from open range to protected federal lands. The topography is deeply incised by watercourses such as Mescal Wash and Anderson Canyon, which drain the northern slopes of the Whetstone Mountains. Numerous water sources, including Wakefield Spring and Little Nogales Spring, illustrate the importance of reliable water in this arid environment for both livestock and the historic rail corridor that follows the natural grades toward the San Pedro Valley.