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1958 Map of Squaretop Hills

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Squaretop Hills
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Sulphur Springs Valley stretches across this mid-century landscape, framed by the Sulphur Hills and the Swisshelm Mountains. This desert basin in Cochise County reveals a pattern of dispersed ranching and agricultural life, anchored by family-named landmarks such as Gears Ranch, Whitehead Ranch, and the Grizzles Orchard in the southwest corner. The presence of the Ash Creek School and the Light Cemetery suggests a community core near the now-defunct townsite of Light, while several scattered wells and prospects reflect the region's search for water and mineral resources.

Transportation through the basin is marked by an old railroad grade running north-south, a vestige of earlier industrial activity. The terrain is defined by rugged ridges, including Turkey Ridge and Ash Creek Ridge, which direct the seasonal flows of Turkey Creek and Ash Creek. Significant elevation changes are noted at the Squaretop Hills, providing a clear view of the complex topography before the modern development of southeastern Arizona.