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1963 Map of San Mateo

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of San Mateo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

San Mateo sits at the foot of the high canyon country within the Cibola National Forest, serving as a focal point for ranching and resource extraction in the mid-20th century. The settlement patterns reflect the influence of large land holdings, most notably defined by the Bartolome Fernandez Grant Boundary. Water management is essential in this arid landscape, evidenced by the numerous tanks and springs such as San Mateo Reservoir, Duck Tank, and El Rito Spring scattered across the Mesa.

The presence of the San Mateo Mine and scattered prospects suggests the area's mineral interests, while the Landing Strip and telephone line indicate the infrastructure connecting these isolated outposts. Cultural history is marked by the CCC Camp and established ranching locations like Marcus Ranch. The terrain is deeply carved by drainage systems like San Mateo Creek and Rafael Canyon, which dictate the placement of roads and early homesteads.