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1966 Map of Mesquite Lake

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Mesquite Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

Mesquite Lake and its surrounding arid basin define this segment of Luna County, captured during a mid-1960s survey. The landscape is characterized by a sparse but vital network of water management features, including Mesquite Tank, Perry Tank, and White Lakes Tank, which speak to the area's pastoral and ranching utility. These scattered water sources, along with Cabin Wells, provided the necessary infrastructure for land use in an otherwise dry environment.

Evidence of human activity is further marked by isolated landmarks like the Triangle Windmill and Ramon Windmill, which served as critical points of reference and survival. The map's detail, derived from 1964 aerial photography and 1966 planetable surveys, meticulously records the section lines and fencing that partitioned this corner of New Mexico, reflecting the organized ranching boundaries of the mid-20th century.