1973 Map of Mescalero Point

About this map

Mescalero Ridge (The Caprock) dominates this high desert landscape, forming a dramatic escarpment that divides the terrain. The 1973 survey illustrates a region defined by its water scarcity and resource extraction, where life revolves around reliable sources like Mescalero Spring, Graham Spring, and Red Tank. The western portion of the map is characterized by expansive areas of Shifting Sand, while the eastern side shows more infrastructure development, including a prominent Radio Tower (KSWS-KCDB). The economy of this Chaves and Lea County borderland is etched into the earth through numerous Oil Wells, Drill Holes, and Gravel Pits, linked by a network of Jeep Trails. Local family or ranch names are preserved in landmarks such as Sikes Tanks and Graham Well, providing valuable points of reference for genealogists and local historians.