1957 Map of Milan

About this map

Cibola National Forest defines the western edge of this landscape, where deep incisions like Zuni Canyon and Limekiln Canyon cut through the high ground. To the east, the terrain levels out into the volcanic formations of The Malpais Lava and the drainage of the San Jose Rio. This 1950s survey captures the development of Milan and the neighboring community of Toltec along the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad corridor. The area shows a transition from traditional ranching—noted by properties like the Schneemann Ranch and Harding Ranch—toward industrial and transportation infrastructure, including the Grants Municipal Airport and a prominent Sawmill. Purple revisions from the early 1970s trace the arrival of Interstate 40, which bypasses the older route of Highway 66 that once served as the primary thoroughfare for the region.