1973 Map of Four Mills

About this map

The Devils River and its tributary, the Dry Devils River, carve through the Edwards Plateau in this early 1970s topographic study. This arid West Texas landscape is defined by its ranching infrastructure, where water sources are the primary points of human activity. Named settlements like the Whitehead Ranch, complete with a nearby Landing Strip, and the Oil Well Ranch stand as isolated outposts within the complex terrain of the Mesa and Buffalo Draw. Ranching operations are further evidenced by a network of water-retention and pumping features, including Rock Barn Tank, Soto Tank, and the Middle Buffalo Windmill. These landmarks, along with a prominent Cliff and the eponymous Four Mills area, illustrate the survival and industry of the region during a period of modern ranching expansion prior to contemporary land use changes.