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2012 Map of Four Mills

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Four Mills
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

The ephemeral path of the Dry Devils River defines this western Texas landscape, carving a route southward toward Buffalo Draw and the County Line Draw. In an environment where surface water is scarce, the placement of ranching infrastructure reveals the fundamental reliance on groundwater. Named landmarks such as Windmill Number One, Buffalo Windmill, and Middle Buffalo Windmill indicate the vital points where the Edwards-Trinity aquifer was tapped to support livestock and human habitation.

Settlement is sparse and centered on established ranching operations, including Whitehead Ranch, Oil Well Ranch, and the locality of Four Mills. These sites are linked by rugged thoroughfares like Buffalo Rd and various unnamed tracks that navigate the draws and canyons. Features like Rock Barn Tank further highlight the historical effort to capture and manage water in this arid reach of Val Verde County.