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1918 Map of Indian Wells

Name: 1918 Topographic Map of Indian Wells
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1949
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1949

About this map

Indian Wells serves as a central landmark in this remote corner of Brewster County, where the desert landscape is defined by the deep incision of the Rio Grande. Surveyed in cooperation with the War Department just before the end of the Great War, the area reveals a sparse network of ranching outposts such as Garcia Ranch, Elders Ranch, and Stewart Ranch. The terrain is characterized by complex drainage systems, including the long reach of San Francisco Creek and the steep-walled Washboard Canyon.

A notable international border follows the river's bend, marking the divide between Texas and Coahuila. The map captures a moment in West Texas history when water sources like Indian Wells were critical for survival and movement through the limestone breaks. Cattle trails and primitive roads navigate between features like Isinglass Canyon and Candilla Creek, illustrating the challenges of 1910s frontier logistics.