1959 Map of Upham

About this map

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad corridor anchors the desert landscape of this 1959 survey, tracing a line through small rail-side settlements and ranching outposts. Communities such as Aleman, Upham, and Alivio dot the eastern plains, while the western reaches are defined by the rising elevation of Brushy Mountain and the Hogback Hills. This terrain is a network of water-scarce ranchlands, where cattle operations relied on numerous named water catchments like the Lyons Red Tank and family-named landmarks including the Lyons-Slater Ranch and Tipton Ranch. The infrastructure of the mid-20th century is evident in the presence of a Microwave Sta and Radio Relay Sta atop the high ground. Numerous windmills, such as the Gaume Windmill and Yoast Windmill, provide evidence of the vital groundwater extraction necessary for survival in this arid New Mexico environment.