1971 Map of Sacaton NE

About this map

The agricultural grid of Pinal and Maricopa counties dominates this 1971 orthophotomosaic, revealing a landscape defined by intensive irrigation and desert topography. The stark contrast between the cultivated dark and light geometric fields and the natural drainage patterns is most evident along the banks of Queen Creek as it cuts across the northern half of the map. To the southwest, the arid slopes of Goldmine Mountain rise abruptly from the valley floor, providing a sharp topographical boundary to the sprawling farmland. This aerial-based survey documents the specific footprint of Arizona’s desert agriculture and rural development during the early 1970s, showing the exact layout of individual farms, access roads, and water management systems that transformed this section of the Gila River Valley.