1972 Map of La Pryor NW

About this map

The Chaparrosa Ranch and Oliphant Ranch anchor this portion of South Texas, illustrating the expansive ranching operations characteristic of Zavala County in the early 1970s. The landscape is defined by a sophisticated network of water management, where numerous tanks such as Cometa Tank and Middle Tank are supported by a proliferation of windmills. These wind-powered pumps, including the Kite Windmills, Rancho Viejo Windmill, and Sevenmile Windmill, trace the human effort to sustain livestock across the brush country between Maverick Creek and Sand Creek. Evidence of diverse land use is found in the Landing Strip near the southern boundary and scattered Oil Wells, marking the intersection of traditional cattle ranching with modern energy and aviation needs. Seasonal drainages like Turkey Creek and Cumbalache Creek further shape the terrain, highlighting the critical role of every named water source in this semi-arid environment.