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1954 Map of Big Spring

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Big Spring
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Big Spring and the surrounding West Texas plains are defined by a landscape of scattered ranching hubs and growing oil infrastructure during the mid-1950s. The regional economy is anchored by the Texas and Pacific railroad, which strings together settlements like Coahoma, Stanton, and Snyder across the arid terrain. Military activity is prominent at Webb Air Force Base, while the nearby Webb Training Annex and Big Spring State Park highlight the diverse land use in Howard County.

Surface water is a vital but scarce resource, visible in the development of Lake J B Thomas and Moss Creek Lake, alongside natural drainage features like Tobacco Creek and the Colorado River. Topographic landmarks such as Signal Mountain and Rattlesnake Gap provide orientation in a region of vast mesas and breaks. Smaller community centers including Flower Grove, Tarzan, and Vincent dot the map, offering a look at the rural settlement patterns before significant consolidation.