1954 Map of Tularosa

About this map

The Rio Grande valley and the expansive basins of south-central New Mexico are depicted here during a period of significant military and infrastructure development. The Elephant Butte Reservoir and Caballo Reservoir dominate the central landscape, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding desert terrain and the peaks of the San Mateo Mountains and San Andres Mountains. This mid-century survey documents the transition of several historical settlements, marking San Marcial and Val Verde as abandoned locations while noting the growth of Truth or Consequences. Large portions of the eastern terrain are dedicated to the Alamogordo Bombing Range and the White Sands Proving Ground, reflecting the region's Cold War importance. Strategic transport is anchored by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, which parallels the river, connecting remote outposts like Pope Siding and Cutter to larger regional hubs like Tularosa.