1972 Map of Hartley SW

About this map

Rita Blanca Creek cuts a jagged path through the high plains of the Texas Panhandle, defining the dramatic topographic relief in this 1970s survey. The landscape is a study in the transition from flat prairie grazing lands to the deeply eroded breaks of the Canadian River watershed. While much of the land is managed through a network of fence lines, the northeastern corner of the map centers on the Fort Worth and Denver railroad corridor, a vital artery for the region's cattle and grain transport. Local history is anchored at Hartley Cem and the small settlement of Collins, while the presence of a Gravel Pit and scattered wells suggest the ongoing ranching and industrial utility of the terrain. The contrast between the stark, flat tablelands and the complex canyon system of the creek provides a clear view of the geological character of Hartley County.