1958 Map of Portal

About this map

Chiricahua Mountains dominate this 1950s-era landscape, where the rugged topography of the high peaks transitions sharply into the desert floor across the Arizona New Mexico border. Small settlements like Paradise and Portal are situated at the mouths of deep drainages such as Cave Creek Canyon, reflecting a long history of mining and forestry. Evidence of the region’s earlier mining boom persists at Cochise Mine and the site of Galeyville, while the arrival of the Southern Pacific railroad facilitated the growth of Rodeo on the New Mexico side. The map details a shift toward scientific and recreational land use, prominently featuring the Southwestern Research Station and several developed sites like the Herb Martyr Forest Camp and Sunny Flat Picnic Ground. High elevation landmarks including Silver Peak and Portal Peak oversee the complex network of Jeep Trails and the historic Snowshed Trail.