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1981 Map of Patagonia

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Patagonia
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Mining operations and cattle ranching define this high-desert landscape in the Santa Rita Mountains. The town of Patagonia sits along the southern end of Temporal Gulch, acting as a hub for a region densely pocketed with historic claims. In the northwest, the Alto location is surrounded by numerous workings such as the San Ramon Mine and the Wandering Jew Group, illustrating the intensity of prospecting within the Coronado National Forest.

Water management is vital to this arid environment, evidenced by the presence of Patagonia Lake and Patagonia Lake State Park along Sonoita Creek. The map documents a transition from industrial activity to recreation and conservation, with family-named outposts like Hard Luck Ranch and Weatherhead Ranch scattered through the canyons. The complex topography includes notable peaks like Salero Mtn and the distinct Castle Butte, while old boundaries like the Baca Float No 3 hint at the area's complicated Spanish land grant history.