1955 Map of Roswell

About this map

Roswell serves as the eastern anchor for this mid-century New Mexico landscape, where the high plains meet the dramatic rises of the Capitan Mountains and the Sacramento Mountains. The map reveals a region defined by the Pecos River valley, supporting settlements like Dexter and Lake Arthur along the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad line. To the west, the expansive Lincoln National Forest surrounds historic points of interest such as White Oaks and Ft Stanton, reflecting the area's mining and frontier heritage. The Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation occupies the southwestern quadrant, while the arid landscape is dotted with numerous springs and tanks, including Coyote Spr and Spotted Tank, which were essential for ranching. Conservation and recreation areas like Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bottomless Lakes State Park highlight the unique hydrologic features of the Pecos basin.