1953 Map of Berry Sand Draw

About this map

The Panhandle ranching landscape of the 1950s is defined by the Berry Ranch and Wright Ranch along the complex drainage network of Berry Sand Draw. This area of Potter County shows a transition between traditional cattle operations and the encroaching modern infrastructure of the mid-century, including a long-distance Telephone Line and a prominent Gas Well. The topography is deeply incised by Coetas Creek and Chicken Creek, with the sheer-walled Box Canyon cutting through the western portion of the sheet. Industrial and military history is present in the form of Caliche Quarries and the US Army Rifle Range (Abandoned) south of the draws. The eastern edge is anchored by the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad, illustrating the vital transport links that sustained this arid ranchland.