1973 Map of Javelina Basin

About this map

The high desert landscape of Javelina Basin straddles the boundary between Lea County, New Mexico, and the Texas state line. In the early 1970s, this arid terrain was defined by a complex network of resource extraction and ranching infrastructure. Isolated outposts such as Medlin Place, Anthony Ranch, and Beckham Ranch anchored the region, supported by essential water sources like Natural Tank, Rock Lake, and numerous stock tanks. The map reveals an intensive industrial overlay where pipelines and an aqueduct cut across natural features like Antelope Draw and Fight Hollow Draw. A proliferation of drill holes, gas wells, and oil wells indicates the energy production boom of the era, while named landmarks such as Hutchin Windmill and Big Windmill highlight the vital necessity of groundwater in this part of the Permian Basin.