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1918 Map of Mt. Riley

Name: 1918 Topographic Map of Mt. Riley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1929
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1929

About this map

Volcanic peaks and isolated desert outposts dominate this borderland landscape during the late 1910s. The prominent massif of Mt Riley stands as a central landmark between the volcanic cinder cones of the West Potrillo Mountains and the uplifted ridge of the East Potrillo Mountains. The mapping captures a transition in desert survival, where reliance on scattered water sources like Cox Tank supported isolated operations at Phillips Ranch and Cox Ranch.

Along the southern edge, the international boundary between the United States and Mexico is marked by a remote Monument. This political line is paralleled by the vital transit corridor of the El Paso and Southwestern railroad, which provided the primary connection through this arid terrain. The survey identifies topographic heights such as Guzmans Lookout Mtn, providing a precise record of the natural elevations used for navigation and observation in this stark frontier region.