1963 Map of Ruidoso

About this map

The North Fork Rio Ruidoso and its tributaries converge near Ruidoso in this 1963 survey, revised in the late 1970s. The landscape is defined by the sharp boundary between the Lincoln National Forest and the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, which cuts through the southern half of the sheet. Urban development is concentrated along the river valley, where Hollywood and Ruidoso Downs transition from forest to the open spaces of Meadows and Paradise. Local landmarks like the Municipal Airport and the Drive-in Theater reflect the mid-century growth of this mountain community. Higher elevations are marked by distinctive landmarks such as Cow Mountain and Moon Mountain, while numerous water sources like Jose Second Dam No 1 and Snow Spring suggest the importance of water management in this arid terrain.