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1974 Map of Capps Switch SE

Name: 1974 Topographic Map of Capps Switch SE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The rugged break of the Texas Panhandle landscape defines this 1974 survey, where the North Palo Duro Creek and South Palo Duro Creek carve deep through the plains of the High Plains. This territory, spanning the intersections of Sherman, Hansford, Moore, and Hutchinson counties, is dominated by the mid-century energy economy, evidenced by a dense Oil Field and numerous scattered Gas Wells and Oil Wells. The small settlement of Morse sits atop the plateau, serving as a focal point for the regional transit and infrastructure that supports these rural extraction industries.

Transportation is anchored by the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad, which runs straight across the southern portion of the map near the community of Hutch. This rail line, paired with an extensive network of Pipelines, illustrates the industrial connectivity required to move resources from the Panhandle to distant markets. The map also captures smaller-scale local operations, such as a Pumping Sta and a Gravel Pit, providing a clear view of the working landscape before late-century consolidation.