1954 Map of Big Spring

About this map

The upper reaches of the Colorado River and the Clear Fork Brazos River dominate this West Texas landscape during a period of mid-century infrastructure growth. The 1966 revision highlights the emergence of significant water projects such as Lake J B Thomas, Lake Colorado City, and the Champion Creek Reservoir, which altered the arid terrain of the Permian Basin. This survey captures the strategic importance of Webb Air Force Base at Big Spring, a major regional hub where the Texas and Pacific railroad follows the path of US Highway 80. To the east, Sweetwater serves as a critical rail junction for the Panhandle and Santa Fe and Missouri-Kansas-Texas lines. Distinctive landmarks like Muchakooago Peak and the Signal Mountains rise above the surrounding draws, including Mustang Draw and Sulphur Springs Draw, providing natural orientation in a region increasingly defined by oil fields and ranching.