Loading map...

1918 Map of Reserve

Name: 1918 Topographic Map of Reserve
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1918
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1918

About this map

San Francisco Plaza and Lower San Francisco Plaza serve as the primary hubs along the San Francisco River in this high-altitude landscape. Published just before the modern era of ranching and forestry took hold, the map reveals a remote territory governed by the Datil National Forest and Gila National Forest. The presence of Stevens Sawmill and numerous ranger outposts like the Jewett Ranger Station and Tularosa Ranger Station underscores the early 20th-century reliance on timber and federal land management.

Remote settlements such as Aragon and Luna are linked by primitive routes like the Magdalena Road and Luna Road, crossing a terrain of volcanic peaks and high cienagas. Genealogists and historians can trace family-named sites including Kiehne Ranch, Spur Ranch, and the Fitzgerald Cienaga, which highlight the sparse but established ranching footprint. The intricate drainage network of Centerfire Creek and Tularosa River defines the survival and movement of early settlers in this high desert environment.