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1963 Map of San Mateo

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of San Mateo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

San Mateo serves as the primary hub in this New Mexico landscape, situated at the confluence of several canyon drainages and historical land grants. The settlement is positioned near the Bartolome Fernandez Grant Boundary, reflecting the region's complex history of colonial land divisions. Industrial and agricultural activity is evident through the presence of the San Mateo Mine and various ranching features like the Marcus Ranch and Mule Tank. The reliance on water management in this arid environment is highlighted by the numerous named tanks and springs, including San Mateo Reservoir and the San Mateo Springs cluster.

High desert topography is defined by prominent elevations such as Jesus Mesa and Cerro Colorado, while San Mateo Creek carves through the central valley. A Landing Strip and a CCC Camp provide evidence of 20th-century infrastructure and public works programs within the Cibola National Forest. The map also captures the local border between McKinley and Cibola counties, illustrating how geopolitical lines intersect with the rugged terrain of Rafael Canyon and El Rito Canyon.