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1966 Map of Knott SW

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Knott SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

Sulphur Springs Draw and Buzzard Draw carve through the arid West Texas landscape along the border of Martin and Howard Counties. This mid-1960s survey reveals a region defined by industrial extraction and rural community hubs, notably the prominent Varel Field oil development. The infrastructure of the era is marked by a network of oil wells, drill holes, and a pipeline, illustrating the intensive petroleum activity that shaped the local economy and land use patterns.

Scattered landmarks provide touchstones for local history and genealogy, including the Hartwell School and Lakeview Ch. Notable water features like Red Lake (Salt) and several isolated water tanks emphasize the challenges of life in the Permian Basin. The map also documents the Knott Cem in the north and the path of an aqueduct, showcasing the dual reliance on subsurface mineral wealth and carefully managed water resources.