1917 Map of Mt. Riley

About this map

Isolated desert homesteads like Phillips Ranch and Cox Ranch dot this high-desert landscape near the international border during the early twentieth century. The terrain is dominated by volcanic cinder cones and peaks, including the prominent Mt Riley and the expansive West Potrillo Mountains. A critical lifeline for the region, the El Paso and Southwestern railroad cuts across the southern portion of the sheet, stopping at the Mt Riley station. This transit corridor provided an essential link between the copper mines of Arizona and the refining centers of Texas. Near the border with Chihuahua, a solitary Monument marks the line between the United States and Mexico. The map captures a moment when water sources like Cox Tank were vital infrastructure for cattle ranching in the arid East Potrillo Mts region, while Guzmans Lookout Mtn served as a natural landmark for travelers navigating this open territory.