1934 Map of Rattlesnake

About this map

The San Juan River defines the heart of this landscape, carving a wide path through the Navajo Indian Reservation during the early 1930s. This survey records a transition point where the river meets several significant drainage systems, including Tohache Wash, Red Wash, and Shiprock Wash. The geography is centered around the unique intersection at Four Corners, where the boundaries of New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona converge. Small settlements like Cudai and Rattlesnake represent the sparse human footprint in this arid region, while the Mancos River flows in from the north. The map details a network of unimproved dirt roads and light-duty paths that connected these isolated outposts before the development of modern highway infrastructure, providing a clear view of the territorial borders and the natural terrain at Bitlabito.