1991 Map of Snake Butte

About this map

The Hopi Indian Reservation landscape is defined by its arid drainage systems and prominent geological formations. This 1991 provisional survey captures a territory where seasonal water management is critical, evidenced by numerous Check Dams and Water Tanks scattered across the high desert. Prominent landmarks such as Snake Butte and Red Needle rise above the surrounding terrain, providing essential navigational markers in an area with few paved roads. The ephemeral Polacca Wash and Talahogan Wash underscore the hydrologic patterns of the region, while isolated features like a Prospect and several corrals indicate historical land use tied to mineral exploration and livestock. This map records the intersection of traditional land holdings and the necessary infrastructure for surviving in the arid Southwest during the late twentieth century.