Loading map...

1954 Map of La Parra Ranch SW

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of La Parra Ranch SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Shifting sand dunes dominate this section of the Kenedy County coastline, where the landscape is defined by the constant movement of earth and the search for water. The area is characterized by a sparse network of ranching and industrial outposts, centered around Marana Camp and several distinctive grazing enclosures known as traps, such as the Marana Trap and Padre Juanito Trap.

Survival in this arid brush country is marked by a reliance on deep groundwater, evidenced by a string of named water sources like the Tio Colas Artesian Well, Lola Artesian Well, and Motaralla Windmill. The map also documents the mid-century petroleum interest in the region, noting sites like the Humble Oil Co Hub No 1 and the Kenedy Lease Oil Well No 1. The southern edge is anchored by the waters of Cayo Grande, providing a rare geographic break in the desert-like terrain.