Loading map...

1950 Map of Vanar

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Vanar
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The Southern Pacific railroad corridor defines the northern landscape of this borderland region, connecting the settlement of Vanar to the rugged peaks of Steins Mtn. In the mid-century, this arid valley served as a critical nexus for ranching and resource extraction, evidenced by the Cienega Ranch and various mineral operations like the Alex Mine and a Granite Quarry. The San Simon Creek drainage cuts through the center of the sheet, creating a natural pathway through the basin toward the San Simon Cienega near the state line.

Industrial and geological markers are prominent throughout the Coronado National Forest and the surrounding desert. From the high elevation of San Simon Head and Blue Mtn to the subterranean water sources indicated by numerous Artesian Wells, the map reveals a landscape defined by the search for water and ore. A distinctive Landing Strip and an extensive Pipe Line trace the infrastructure developed to support the isolated outposts along the Arizona and New Mexico border.