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1963 Map of Mesita Del Gato

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Mesita Del Gato
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

West Mesa and Mesa Del Medio dominate this high-desert landscape on the border of San Miguel and Guadalupe counties. The 1963 survey captures an environment of isolated ranching outposts and intermittent water sources, such as New Well and Green Well, which were essential for survival in this arid terrain. The mapping records a sparse but significant human presence through family-named landmarks like Hage Ranch in the north and Benton Ranch and Yates Ranch further south.

Evidence of established community life is found in the dedicated burial sites of Monte Calvario Cem and Boyles Cem. The complex drainage network, including Cuervo Creek, Cherisco Creek, and Garito Creek, carves through the mesas, creating distinctive landforms like the eponymous Mesita del Gato. This era of the New Mexico landscape shows the persistence of remote ranching operations before the encroachment of modern development, providing a clear record of the geographic features known to locals during the mid-twentieth century.