Loading map...

1974 Map of Mills East

Name: 1974 Topographic Map of Mills East
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

High plains ranching and aviation markers define this portion of Harding County during the mid-1970s. The settlement of Mills sits along the western edge, adjacent to the historical Old RR Grade, which speaks to the area's earlier reliance on rail transport. Family-named landmarks such as the Merikle Windmill, Short Windmill, and Freeman Windmill are scattered across the landscape, serving as vital water sources for livestock in this arid environment.

Ephemeral water bodies and conservation areas are prominent, including Big Chicosa Lake and the neighboring Chicosa Lake State Park. Private aviation is noted through the Rigoni Landing Strips, while local genealogy is anchored by the Mills Cem. The presence of several other basins like Cochran Lake and Gibson Lake illustrates the importance of drainage patterns like Leonard Draw for local water management in the high desert.