1967 Map of Howell Mountain

About this map

The Llano and Blanco County line cuts through this high Hill Country terrain, where the landscape is defined by drainage systems and prominent peaks. Howell Mountain and Rattlesnake Mountain rise above the surrounding creeks, including the headwaters of North Cypress Creek and Pecan Creek. The area shows a specialized ranching economy in the late 1960s, evidenced by the A W Ranch Landing Strip and another private Landing Strip near West Ranch. Social life and community landmarks are sparse but significant in this environment, anchored by the Walnut Hill Ch and several named gaps such as Porter Gap and Casner Gap that dictate travel through the ridges. The presence of Taylor Lake and various gravel pits suggests a landscape managed for water storage and local materials as these rural ranching operations maintained their independence in the central Texas hills.