1979 Map of Sand Wells

About this map

The Papago Indian Reservation dominates this 1970s landscape, illustrating the critical role of water management in the Sonoran Desert. The map reveals a network of vital water sources including Standing Bar Tank, Pad Wo'o Tank, and several wells like Black Mtn Well that supported life and livestock in this arid environment. The terrain is defined by the prominent Black Mountain and the eastern edge of the North Comobabi Mts, with the ephemeral Ko Vaya Wash cutting through the desert floor. Small settlements such as Sand Wells and Lorenzo are situated at the mountain base, while a single prospect and a Corral suggest the localized ranching and mining activities of the period. This topographic survey serves as a precise record of human habitation and infrastructure within the reservation before many modern developments.