1952 Map of Turn

About this map

Rio Grande waters dominate the western edge of this 1952 study, where a complex irrigation system of the Upper Sabinal Riverside Drain, Old Jarales Ditch, and San Juan Canal supports the valley's agriculture. The landscape is defined by massive historic land grants, including the Tome Grant, Casa Colorada Grant, and Belen Grant, which stretch eastward from the river toward the arid uplands. Small settlements and rail stops like Madrone, Turn, and Bodega are positioned along the transportation corridors, specifically the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad line. Local life is centered near the river at the Casa Colorada School and a small Cem, while further inland, the terrain is marked by numerous Windmill sites and the prominent Airway Beacon No 20, reflecting the region's reliance on groundwater and its role in mid-century aviation navigation.