1943 Map of West Carlsbad

About this map

The Pecos River corridor and its surrounding Chihuahuan Desert uplands define this 1943 survey, a landscape transitioning from an agricultural and ranching frontier to a strategic military hub during World War II. The map highlights the intensive water management systems vital to the region, including the Southern Canal, Lake Avalon, and Spencer Dam. The presence of the Carlsbad Army Air Field near Dark Canyon underscores the area's wartime importance, while the scattered ranching infrastructure — from the Denny Ranch to the Gerry Smith Ranch — speaks to a generations-old livestock economy.