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1963 Map of China Lake

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of China Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Pecos River carves a path through this West Texas landscape, marking the boundary between Ward Co and Reeves Co. In the mid-1960s, the region was defined by a complex intersection of natural features and industrial infrastructure. Broad depressions like China Lake and Horseshoe Lake sit north of the river, while a network of pipelines, an aqueduct, and a canal demonstrate the intensive water and energy management required in this arid environment.

The presence of the Pyote Air Force Base in the northeast corner and the tracks of the Texas and Pacific railroad highlight the strategic and commercial importance of the corridor. Sparse resource extraction is evident through scattered oil wells and gas wells, particularly in the more elevated terrain above Big Valley. This survey captures the transition from traditional ranching lands to a mid-century industrial landscape managed by the Texas Water Commission.