Loading map...

1945 Map of Texas Hill

Name: 1945 Topographic Map of Texas Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1945
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1945

About this map

Lincoln National Forest dominates this high-altitude landscape in Otero County, where life in the mid-1940s revolved around isolated water sources and expansive cattle ranges. The map reveals the intricate network of water management essential for desert ranching, featuring numerous tanks such as Neal Tank and Bowman Tank, alongside specialized sites like Bates Windmill. Permanent habitation is centered on established homesteads including the Hardin Ranch and the Armstrong & Armstrong Headquarters Ranch.

Topographical landmarks like Texas Hill and Ares Peak define the horizon, while the descent into Dog Canyon and the transition to Algerita Flat illustrate the varied terrain of the Brokeoff Mountains. For historians, the inclusion of remote structures like Powers Shack and seasonal waterholes such as Siegrist Waterhole provides a clear view of the logistical challenges faced by New Mexico ranchers and forest rangers before modern infrastructure reached these canyons.