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1963 Map of Mexican Hat

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Mexican Hat
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

The San Juan River carves a deep, sinuous path through this high desert landscape, forming the tight meanders of the Goosenecks and the Second Narrows. To the north, the spires and monoliths of the Valley of the Gods rise below Cedar Mesa, while the southern half of the sheet is dominated by the Navajo Indian Reservation and the distinctive formations of Monument Valley.

Evidence of mid-century industrial activity is visible near the settlement of Mexican Hat, including a water purification plant, tailings ponds, and several drill holes—details that reflect the uranium and resource exploration era of the 1950s and 60s. Local history is grounded in landmarks like the Raplees Stone House ruins and geographic icons such as Alhambra Rock and the Tabernacle. The map also captures essential infrastructure of the time, from the Mexican Hat Post Office to the remote landing strip and gaging station along the river.