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1955 Map of Tierra Amarilla

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Tierra Amarilla
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Tierra Amarilla serves as the focal point of this mid-century survey, surrounded by a complex network of traditional Spanish land grant settlements and livestock ranches. The landscape is defined by the Rio Chama and its numerous tributaries, including Rito de Tierra Amarilla and Rito de las Nutrias, which supported the irrigation and agricultural life of communities like Plaza Blanca, La Puente, and Ensenada.

A notable Cold War era addition to the high-country terrain is the Tierra Amarilla Air Force Station, situated on a ridge overlooking the valley. The map documents the enduring spiritual and educational foundations of the area through sites such as Santa Rita Ch, Cebolla Ch, and the Lower Nutrias Sch. Large family-owned holdings like the Archuleta Ranch and Ward Ranch illustrate the regional ranching economy, while the El Vado Reservoir at the western edge marks the intersection of natural watercourses and modern infrastructure.