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1971 Map of Black Waterhole

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of Black Waterhole
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

The West Nueces River carves a significant course through the limestone-cut landscape of Edwards County in the early 1970s. This survey records a rugged Texas Hill Country terrain defined by dramatic drainages like Geronimo Creek, Crooked Draw, and Little Hackberry Draw. The presence of the Black Waterhole and Silman Spring highlights the critical importance of reliable water sources in this arid environment, where life centered around ranching and limited resource extraction.

Evidence of local history is scattered throughout the draws, including a remote Cem and family-named landmarks such as Justice. Industrial footprints are visible in the form of several Gravel Pits and a Drill Hole, suggesting exploratory activity and road maintenance. The mapping of a Jeep Trail and various water infrastructure like a Water Tank and Well underscores the functional nature of the land use during this period.