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1987 Map of Portal

Name: 1987 Topographic Map of Portal
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Chiricahua Mountains dominate this 1987 survey, where high-altitude peaks like Silver Peak and Davis Mountain drop into steep canyons carved by Turkey Creek and Cave Creek. This area of the Coronado National Forest preserves a complex history of extraction and settlement, evidenced by the presence of the Cochise Mine and scattered mine shafts. Local history is anchored by the settlement at Portal and the historic footprint of Galeyville, a former boomtown near Paradise.

Scientific and recreational interest in the basin is reflected in the Southwestern Research Station and several campgrounds, including Sunny Flat Campground and John Hands Campground. The transition from rugged mining terrain to a protected wilderness is evident as the map extends into the Chiricahua Wilderness, featuring landmarks like Cathedral Rock and The Fingers. This topographic study captures a moment when the regional economy shifted from hard-rock mining toward conservation and biological research.