1957 Map of Portales

About this map

The Portales Valley defines this section of the High Plains, where the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad corridor anchors the regional economy. Portales serves as the central hub, home to Eastern New Mexico University and an expanding municipal grid including a Fairground, Municipal Airport, and several local schools like Lindsey Sch. The surrounding landscape is a mix of agricultural and ranching interests, evidenced by family-named holdings such as Ribble Ranch, Compton Ranch, and the Parrish Farm. Rural life is further marked by small communities like Bethel and Delphos, each connected by a network of roads that follow the section lines of the flat terrain. Local history and genealogy are preserved at sites like Bethel Cem and Steiner Cem, while the natural drainage of Boone Draw provides one of the few breaks in the steady topography of the plains.