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1944 Map of Baker Crossing

Name: 1944 Topographic Map of Baker Crossing
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

The Devils River carves a deep, winding path through this portion of Val Verde County, defining the early ranching economy of the mid-20th century. This survey, compiled from 1941 aerial photography by the Air Corps, reveals a landscape organized by family-named holdings and precincts. The namesake Bakers Crossing serves as a focal point near the confluence of Hudson Canyon and the river, flanked by multiple operations including the S Baker Ranch, W Baker Ranch, and P Baker Ranch.

Remote livestock operations dominate the terrain, connected by State Route 163 and a network of unimproved trails. Significant landmarks like Bat Cave and the Mills near Jarrett Ranch indicate specialized land use beyond grazing. From the Parchman Ranch in the north to the Kelly Ranch in the south, the map preserves the precise locations of headquarters and outbuildings that supported the rugged pastoral life of the Texas borderlands.