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1963 Map of Monument

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Monument
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Mescalero Ridge, also known as the Caprock, defines the western escarpment of this high plains landscape. Below the ridge, the terrain is dominated by the industrial infrastructure of the Permian Basin, where the Pearl Oil Field, Reeves Field, and Wilson Oil Field are crisscrossed by a dense network of pipelines and drill holes. The settlement of Monument sits at the intersection of this energy economy and older ranching traditions, evidenced by family holdings like Turner Ranch and Linam Ranch.

Transport routes including the Texas-New Mexico RR and several state highways converge at Arkansas Junction, facilitating the movement of oil and cattle. Water remains a critical focal point in this arid environment, marked by the presence of Monument Springs and the drainage of House Draw and Monument Draw. For the genealogist, the isolated Crockett Cem and various named ranch houses provide specific points of interest for tracing early Lea County families.