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1953 Map of San Juan Pueblo

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of San Juan Pueblo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

The confluence of the Rio Chama and the Rio Grande anchors this 1953 survey, revealing a landscape steeped in early colonial history. A landmark noted as the Old San Juan First Spanish Capitol 1598 sits near the west bank of the Rio Grande, marking the site of Oñate's early capital. This historical depth is complemented by numerous mission-style chapels that dot the river valley, including Capilla Señora de Guadalupe, Capilla de San Jose, and Capilla de San Antonio.

Irrigation infrastructure is highly detailed, showing a complex network of ditches, siphons, and flumes serving settlements like San Juan Pueblo, Alcalde, and La Villita. Transport patterns reflect a period of transition, with Highway 64 carrying modern traffic while an Old Railroad Grade traces the older paths of the Chili Line. The valley is framed by the massive Black Mesa to the west and expansive land grants such as the Sebastian Martin Grant to the east.