1967 Map of Haystack Mountain

About this map

Haystack Mountain rises above a landscape defined by ranching and early petroleum exploration in Chaves County. This 1960s environment shows a scattered network of water sources essential for desert survival, from the seasonal Samples Lake to established points like Leslie Spring and various man-made developments including Williams Well and Hackett Well. The presence of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad in the south, running through Acme, highlights the importance of rail transport for moving livestock and resources from the local ranches. Named sites such as Smith Ranch and Faircloth Ranch indicate the family-centered nature of land ownership during this era. Industrial activity is evident through numerous Oil Wells, a Gravel Pit, and the marking of several Drill Holes, suggesting a period of transition as traditional ranching shared the terrain with growing mineral interests.