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1952 Map of Moab 3 SE

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Moab 3 SE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Big Flat dominates this high plateau landscape along the border of Grand and San Juan counties in the early 1950s. The region is characterized by deep erosional features like Hell Roaring Canyon and Seven Mile Canyon, which carve through the high desert. Evidence of early mid-century resource extraction and ranching is present, from an isolated Oil Well to localized livestock landmarks such as Arth Pasture and the Little Valley Barn.

Transport and navigation are limited to a handful of unimproved roads and a Landing Strip situated near the plateau's edge. Distinctive geological markers like Beehive Butte and Whitback Rock provide essential orientation in this labyrinthine topography. The map also captures the vital role of water management in an arid climate, specifically the Big Flat Res and a smaller Reservoir used to sustain life on the flat.