2016 Map of Smeltertown

About this map

The Rio Grande serves as the central artery and international boundary in this 2016 survey of the borderlands where Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico converge. The map documents the industrial and residential corridors of West El Paso and southern Doña Ana County, highlighting the transition from the steep slopes of Sierra de Cristo Rey to the river valley floor. Historic industrial footprints are evident at Smeltertown and Courchesne, while the neighboring communities of Sunland Park and Anapra reflect the trans-border connectivity of the region. Local water management is represented by an extensive system of laterals and drains, including the Montoya Main Lateral and Borderland Spur Drain, which support the agricultural legacy of the Mesilla Valley. Modern residential development is visible in the suburban expansion of Santa Teresa and Coronado Hills, illustrating the continued growth of this high-desert urban landscape.