1968 Map of China Canyon

About this map

The South Pease River and its intricate network of drainage canyons define this portion of the Texas Panhandle during the late 1960s. The landscape is dominated by the China Canyon system and the Quanah Acme and Pacific railroad, which cuts through the northern section near Summit. This era of ranching is clearly documented through numerous functional improvements across the terrain, including the Swenson Ranch and a series of named water sources and pumping stations such as the Eastman Windmill and Upper China Windmill. The topography reveals a complex erosional environment where Thief Hollow and Spring Canyon feed into the broader river valley. The map provides a look at the essential infrastructure of West Texas cattle country, from the T-Fortyone Tank to the Middle Windmill, illustrating how water management dictated the use of these draws and breaks.