1962 Map of Lovington

About this map

The high plains of Lea County are defined by a vast network of petroleum extraction in this early 1960s survey. Lovington serves as the central hub, its street grid anchored by the County Courthouse, Hospital, and educational institutions like Taylor Jr High Sch. The surrounding landscape is dominated by named petroleum zones, including the Dean Oil Field, Shoe Bar Oil Field, and the sprawling Vacuum Field. This industrial footprint is woven through with family-held cattle operations such as Eidson Ranch, Turner Ranch, and Kimbrough Ranch. Transportation and commerce are facilitated by the Texas-New Mexico railroad line and the Lovington Airfield, illustrating the mid-century intersection of ranching traditions and the booming energy economy. Numerous Quarries and Gravel Pits further highlight the intensive resource utilization typical of the region during this era.