1969 Map of Kenton SW

About this map

Site of Old Fort Nichols anchors the southern reaches of this Oklahoma Panhandle landscape, marking a historical point of defense along the legendary Santa Fe Trail. In the late 1960s, this arid terrain within the Kenton and Wheeless districts is defined by the deep incisions of Tesesquite Creek and South Carrizo Creek against the high plains. The creation of Lake Carl Etling within Black Mesa State Park provides a singular water feature in a region of dry creek beds like Swede Cr. Evidence of early human occupation is noted at Basketmakers Cave No 1, highlighting the area's archaeological depth. The map reflects a sparsely populated ranching and recreational corridor near the New Mexico border, where land is still marked by original land-office meridians and primitive trails.