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1958 Map of Portal

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Portal
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The high peaks and deep canyons of the Chiricahua National Forest dominate the borderlands of Arizona and New Mexico in this late-1950s survey. The map details a landscape of dramatic elevation changes, where the steep slopes of Silver Peak and Portal Peak overlook established recreational and scientific sites. Of particular note is the Southwestern Research Station and the Portal Ranger Sta, situated at the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon. This area serves as a gateway to numerous campgrounds like Stewart Forest Camp and Herb Martyr Forest Camp, reflecting the region's importance for both biological study and public land management.

Industrial and transit history is preserved along the eastern edge of the quadrangle, where the Southern Pacific railroad tracks run through the settlement of Rodeo. To the north, the small communities of Galeyville and Paradise sit nestled near the Paradise Cemetery, marking the human imprint on this desert mountain terrain. Water sources, vital for survival in this environment, are meticulously mapped, including Cienega Spring, Hummingbird Spring, and several named tanks like Licklog Tank.