1957 Map of Moqui SW

About this map

McElmo Creek carves a central path through this high desert landscape, defining the local geography as it flows between Ball Mesa and the expansive Ute Mountain Indian Reservation. The 1957 mapping period shows a sparsely settled territory where isolated outposts like Wilsons Store and the Lower McElmo School served the rural community. The intricate drainage network of Yellowjacket Canyon, Cottonwood Canyon, and Hamilton Canyon reveals a topography shaped by deep erosion, with travel limited to a few developed routes and primitive trails. This preliminary edition record provides a detailed view of the regional land use before modern infrastructure reached these canyons, preserving the locations of early 20th-century social hubs and ranching landmarks.