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1966 Map of Turkey Canyon

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Turkey Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

The Purgatoire River winds through the northern reaches of this landscape in Bent County, creating a complex network of drainage systems across the high plains. The terrain is defined by deep incisions such as Turkey Canyon and Baker Canyon, which provide essential drainage into the river valley. In this arid environment, reliable water sources were critical to land use, evidenced by the named Kelly Water Hole and various Springs located along the canyon floors.

Evidence of human activity is sparse but specific, with a single Quarry noted in the southeast corner near Muddy Creek. The map documents a transition in the landscape from the larger drainage of Alkali Arroyo to the smaller, more intricate branching of Richards Canyon. This survey captures the rural character of the region during the mid-1960s, prior to major modern developments, preserving the original place names used by local ranchers and land managers.