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2023 Map of Monument Point

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Monument Point
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Canadian River cuts through the high plains of San Miguel County in this 2023 survey, defining a landscape of deep canyons and prominent mesas. The terrain is dominated by the massive Chical Mesa in the northeast and the expansive Mesa Rica to the south, separated by a complex network of seasonal drainages. Local landmarks such as Monument Point overlook a ranching landscape where water is managed through a series of named tanks, including Monument Tank, Tito Tank, and the curiously named Mistake Tank.

Genealogical interest centers on the San Lorenzo Cem, located near the northern banks of the river. The map also traces significant geological and historical corridors like Alamosa Canyon and Comancheros Creek. These features illustrate the traditional land use patterns of this part of New Mexico, where deep-cut watercourses like La Manga Creek and Chical Creek dictate the movement of people and livestock across the high desert elevations.