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1963 Map of Santa Rosa

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Santa Rosa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Pecos River carves through this high desert landscape, serving as the lifeblood for both natural phenomena and local agriculture in the early 1960s. The town of Santa Rosa is the focal point, where the Southern Pacific railroad corridor intersects with local landmarks like the Fish Hatchery and the iconic Blue Hole. The map reveals a complex irrigation system essential to the region's ranching economy, featuring the Puerto de Luna Ditch, Ortega Ditch, and Casaus Ditch winding along the riverbanks.

Genealogists and local historians will find significant value in the documentation of multiple burial grounds, including Evergreen Cem, San Jose Cem, and St Rose of Lima Cem. Beyond the town center, the landscape is dotted with springs and lakes such as Tres Lagunas and Agua Negra Springs, which support the outlying Agua Negra Ranch. This survey captures the transition from traditional water management to mid-century developments like the Drive-in Theater and the local Landing Strip.