1947 Map of Point Of Sands 2

About this map

White Sands dominates this 1947 landscape, where the shifting dunes of the White Sands National Monument meet the military and scientific operations of the mid-century. The map captures a unique intersection of natural wonders and Cold War era development, featuring the White Sands Proving Ground and a site for the California Institute of Technology. Along the western edge, the San Andres Mountains rise above the basin floor, where Andrecito Creek flows toward the alkali flats. This survey provides a rare look at the area before significant modern expansion, documenting localized features like Andrecito and the ephemeral Lake Lucero. The presence of Landing Strip No 1 and a Crater near the southern boundary highlights the region's transition into a primary center for aerospace and ballistics testing during the post-war years.