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1956 Map of Nogales

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Nogales
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The Santa Cruz River valley and surrounding mountains define this international border landscape in the mid-1950s. The map captures a transition from tribal lands in the west to the cattle and ranching country of the east, showing the Papago Indian Reservation and its numerous small settlements like Sells and Ali Chukson. Scientific and defense installations appear as modern anchors in the high desert, most notably the Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Sahuarita Bombing and Gunnery Range.

Deeply rooted in colonial history, the region is anchored by the San Xavier Mission and Tumacacori National Monument. Military history enthusiasts can trace the locations of Fort Buchanan and Fort Crittenden near the Sonoita Creek drainage. The transport network is dominated by the Southern Pacific RR and the primary north-south artery through Nogales, showing the commerce-driven connection between Arizona and Mexico.