1928 Alcerreca Map of Mexico City: Gas and Oil

This is a rare 1928 Ing. Mariano Alcerreca survey map of Mexico City, depicting from Tlalpam (Tlalpan) on the left to Temamatla on the right and from Ixtacalco on the top to Milpa Alta on the bottom. Presenting information about gas and oil deposits in the region, the map includes manuscript additions, such as color in two regions of the map, which a notation calls 'concessions'. The manuscript notations focus on the creation of a gas pipeline from Tlahuac into the center of Mexico City. All the manuscript notations are in English, whereas the rest of the map is in Spanish. The four different 'zones' on the map are listed on the upper right, giving size and a date.

Oil and Gas in Mexico in the 1920s

By the 1920s, Mexico's oil and gas industry was dominated by British and American entrepreneurs. Beginning in 1918 and continuing into the 1920s, Mexico was the world's second-highest petroleum-producing country, behind only the United States. Between 1921 and 1925, Mexican oil production and exports experienced all-time highs, with production hitting 116 million barrels in 1925 with 172 million of those exported. By 1942, exports had fallen to less than 10 million barrels.

Publication History and Census

This map was created in 1928 by Ing. Mariano Alcerreca in Mexico City. Likely unique, as we have been unable to locate any other examples.