1954 Map of Amarillo

About this map

The High Plains of the Texas Panhandle are defined here by a dense industrial and agricultural network during the mid-1960s. Amarillo serves as the primary hub, surrounded by a landscape of sprawling cattle ranches and growing energy infrastructure. To the northeast, the Sanford Reservoir has reshaped the drainage of the Canadian River, while the Pantex Ordnance Plant sits as a massive installation east of the city. The era's transportation backbone is clearly visible through the major rail lines like the Panhandle and Santa Fe and the legendary U.S. 66, which connects small settlements such as Groom and McLean. Significant industrial presence is noted in towns like Borger and Phillips, centers for the region's oil and gas production. Genealogists can trace family footprints across smaller locales like Mobeetie, White Deer, and Skellytown, as well as the numerous windmills and ranches that dot the draws leading to the North Fork Red River.