1985 Map of Hereford

About this map

The High Plains of the Texas Panhandle are defined here by a network of ephemeral draws and sprawling cattle-country settlements during the mid-1980s. Hereford, the seat of Deaf Smith County, serves as the regional hub where rail lines intersect with the path of Tierra Blanca Creek. To the east, the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge and its namesake Buffalo Lake create a distinct ecological pocket within the agricultural grid. The landscape is characterized by a series of geographic depressions and drainage features, including Frio Draw, Black Water Draw, and Running Water Draw, which have historically dictated the placement of small communities like Summerfield and Easter. From the grain elevators of Dimmitt to the aviation landmarks of Benger Air Park and the Municipal Airport, this survey documents the infrastructure of the Llano Estacado's rural economy.