Loading map...

1981 Map of Rio Rico

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Rio Rico
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Luis Maria Baca (Float No 3) land grant dominates the northern half of this landscape, reflecting a complex history of private Mexican land claims that persisted through the American territorial period. Along the banks of the Santa Cruz River, the presence of the Guevavi Mission (Ruins) and the Calabasas (Site) marks centuries of settlement at the confluence with Sonoita Creek. These sites, situated near the Southern Pacific railroad corridor, illustrate the long-standing strategic importance of this valley for transit and trade.

Mining and ranching define the surrounding hills, with the southern terrain punctuated by the Giant Mine, Columbia Mine, and Uncle Sam Mine near Mt Benedict. The infrastructure of the early 1980s is visible in the development of Rio Rico and the industrial footprint of the Nogales International Waste Water Treatment Plant. Cultural landmarks such as a Drive-in Theater and the Guevavi Ranch provide a detailed view of local life during this era of transition.