1972 Map of Motoqua

About this map

Motoqua and the surrounding high desert of Washington County are defined by a complex network of seasonal washes and essential water sources in this early 1970s survey. The landscape is dominated by the massive Beaver Dam Wash and its various tributaries, including Bentley Wash, Red Hollow Wash, and Jackson Wash. Human presence in this arid terrain is marked by remote outposts such as Hardin Ranch and the isolated D I Landing Strip, which sits on a plateau between deep canyons. Water management is critical for survival here, as evidenced by the distribution of natural points like Cave Spring and Red Hollow Spring, alongside man-made improvements such as Red Hollow Reservoir and Jackson Reservoir. The geography rises sharply toward landmarks like Potters Peak and Square Top Mountain, while small-scale mining activity is indicated by scattered Prospects located near the canyon rims.