1956 Map of Nogales

About this map

The Papago Indian Reservation dominates the western desert landscape of this 1950s borderlands survey, characterized by scattered indigenous settlements like Sells and Ali Chukson. To the east, the terrain rises sharply into the Santa Rita Mountains and Patagonia Mountains, home to mining operations such as the Helvetia Mine and the Mary G Mine. This period reveals a landscape of transition where the Southern Pacific railroad connects established hubs like Benson and Nogales with ranching outposts and military installations. The presence of the Fort Huachuca Military Reservation and the Sahuarita Bombing and Gunnery Range highlights the significant federal footprint in southern Arizona during the mid-century. From the frontier history of Tombstone to the winding course of the Santa Cruz River, the map captures the region's complex mix of tribal lands, cattle ranching, and strategic defense.