1970 Map of Shiloh Hills

About this map

Shiloh Hills dominates this high-desert landscape in Otero County, where water management is the defining characteristic of the terrain. The 1970 field check reveals a network of man-made catchment systems and wells critical for ranching in this arid New Mexico environment. Features like Earl Tank, Coffelt Tank, and the uniquely named Eskimo Tank illustrate the historical reliance on strategic water storage along natural drainages. These tanks are primarily situated along the prominent Coffelt Draw and Shiloh Draw, which cut through the hills. Human activity is further evidenced by a sparse network of jeep trails and isolated landmarks such as Shiloh Well and Wildcat Tank, providing a clear record of land use and livestock infrastructure in the Chihuahuan Desert before the era of more intensive development.