Loading map...

2012 Map of Tornillo

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Tornillo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

The Rio Grande serves as the international boundary on this 2012 survey, defining a landscape dominated by sophisticated irrigation and drainage systems. The settlement of Tornillo sits at the center of this network, with a grid of streets such as Railroad Ave and Indian Head situated north of the Tornillo Canal. To the southeast, the smaller community of Alamo Alto is positioned near the Alamo Alto Drain, highlighting the historical importance of water management in this border region.

A complex hydraulic infrastructure is visible through numerous man-made watercourses, including the Upper Tornillo Drain and the Border Intercepting Drain. These channels, alongside features like Hideaway Lakes and County Line Lakes, illustrate how the natural desert environment was adapted for agriculture. Evidence of traditional transit across the river is noted at Iveys Crossing and Burris Crossing, providing important data points for those studying the border's local history and changing geography.