1973 Map of K C Ranch

About this map

High-desert water management defines the landscape of Culberson County in the early 1970s. The region is characterized by a sparse network of ranching outposts and ephemeral drainage systems, most notably Emory Draw and Frijole Draw. Settlement is concentrated at the K C Ranch and Weatherby Ranch, which served as anchors for local agricultural activity. The map reveals the critical importance of water infrastructure in this arid environment, documenting a sophisticated system of wells and tanks such as Sulphur Well, Budweiser Well, and Sorghum Belt Tank. These features, alongside the evocative Dust Bowl Tank, reflect the historical struggle and ingenuity required to sustain livestock in the Trans-Pecos. The topography is marked by significant elevation changes, with the Weatherby area showing the varied relief of the Texas horizon.