1918 Map of Bullis Gap

About this map

The Rio Grande carves a deep border through this remote Big Bend landscape, marking the international boundary between the United States and Mexico and the state line of Texas and Coahuila. Surveyed during the First World War, the terrain is dominated by the Bullis Gap Range and the winding course of San Francisco Creek, which passes through the notably named San Francisco Shutup. This arid environment supported a sparse network of ranching outposts and specialized agriculture, evidenced by Valdez Goat Camp and various family-named locations such as Keith Ranch and Schupbachs Ranch. Water management was critical for survival in this canyon country, as shown by the scattered distribution of man-made improvements like Espanol Tank, Little Crenshaw Tank, and Britton Tank. Small settlements and landmarks like Kellogg and Espanol House offer a look at the early 20th-century habitation of Brewster County.