2010 Map of Howards Well

About this map

Pierce Ranch stands as a focal point of settlement in this arid reach of West Texas, where the management of water defines the human footprint on the land. A vast network of named water-lifting infrastructure, including Star Divide Windmill, Odom Windmill, and Middle Windmill, is distributed across the territory to support livestock and habitation. The landscape is deeply etched by ephemeral drainage systems like Howard Draw and Sevenmile Draw, which serve as the primary topographical markers in an area defined by wide canyons such as Government Canyon. This 2010 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates a modern continuation of historic ranching practices, where scattered outposts and named windmills like Yegua Windmill and Sulphur Windmill represent the sparse but vital points of activity within the rugged Crockett County terrain.