Loading map...

1981 Map of Rough Mountain

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

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Cibola National Forest encompasses the high ridges and deep canyons of Lincoln County, defining a landscape shaped by both mineral extraction and ranching. The Southern Pacific railroad runs along the eastern edge of the quadrangle, serving the small settlement at Gallinas. This rail line provided the essential link for the local mining operations, including the Corona Queen Mine and Conqueror Mine located in the western highlands.

Survival in this arid environment is evidenced by a network of named catchment basins like Cougar Tank, Stroope Tank, and Porter Tank, which support the livestock and inhabitants of the area. Notable landmarks such as Rough Mountain and Cougar Mountain rise above the drainage of Red Cloud Canyon, while evidence of early local industry can be found at the Gravel Pit and Quarry near the rail line. A small Cem and the settlement at Graves provide touchpoints for genealogists tracing family roots in this corner of New Mexico.