1967 Map of Devils Well

About this map

The Fort Stanton Fort Sumner Trail cuts diagonally across this high plains landscape, marking a historic corridor through the cattle country of De Baca County. This 1960s survey, updated in the early 1980s, reveals a terrain defined by its water sources—essential features for ranching survival—including Devils Well, Baker Well, and Morris Well. The land is deeply etched by seasonal drainages such as Burro Draw and the Arroyo de la Mora, which channel runoff toward the Pecos River basin. Notable geologic features like Diamond Cave and Owl Cave break the surface, while the presence of several earthen tanks, such as Buffalo Tank and Rock Canyon Tank, highlights the systematic efforts to capture water in this arid environment. The map also documents modern transit infrastructure, featuring a Roadside Park along the highway and industrial sites like the Triple Engel Pit.