1978 Map of Houston Lakes

About this map

Houston Lakes and the surrounding high plains of southeastern Colorado appear here during the mid-1970s. This arid landscape is defined by the ephemeral waters of Sand Arroyo and Mustang Creek, which cut across the prairie toward the southeast. The small settlement of Heath serves as the primary focal point of human activity, situated along the southern edge of the quadrangle where the Missouri Pacific railroad corridor establishes a vital transport link through the region. The map reveals a land divided by administrative boundaries where Kiowa, Otero, and Bent counties meet, showing a sparse network of section lines and isolated wells that indicate the area's agricultural and ranching foundations. Researchers will find a clear record of the intersection between these county lines and the industrial presence of the railway before further modern development altered the remote local character.