1918 Map of Bullis Gap

About this map

The Rio Grande carves a sharp, winding path along the international border in this remote Trans-Pecos landscape during the early twentieth century. This 1917 survey reveals an arid territory defined by a sparse ranching economy, centered on family-held outposts like Clark Ranch, Keith Ranch, and the isolated Valdez Goat Camp. The infrastructure is minimal, characterized by vital water sources such as the Britton Tank and Bullis Gap Tank, which supported livestock and travelers in the desert terrain. The most significant historical artery is the Bullis Trail, a rugged path cutting through Bullis Gap and connecting remote settlements like Kellogg and Espanol House. These trails and landmarks reflect the difficult logistics of living and working in the Big Bend region before modern development. Notable geological formations, including the San Francisco Shutups and the peaks of the Bullis Gap Range, dominate the topography, illustrating the natural barriers that shaped movement and settlement patterns along the frontier.