2019 Map of Dead Indian Mountain

About this map

The Colorado River winds through this West Texas landscape where the boundaries of Sterling, Coke, and Mitchell counties converge. Characterized by high plateaus and limestone drainage systems, the area is defined by prominent elevations including Dead Indian Mtn, Snake Mtn, and Wilson Mtn. Water management is the primary human footprint on this semi-arid terrain, evidenced by a dense network of specialized stock tanks and catchments named for local ranching families or landmarks, such as Old McWhorter Tank, Harvey Martin Tank, and Nan Hatty Tank. Seasonal watercourses like Westfall Draw, Heifer Cr, and South Gasconades Creek carve the topography, illustrating the vital role of riparian geography in the regional ranching economy. This 2019 survey documents the enduring infrastructure of a rural interior that remains dominated by large-scale landholdings and strategic water access.