1943 Map of Malvado

About this map

The Southern Pacific railroad cuts through the arid landscape of West Texas, following the winding contours of Thurston Canyon as it passes through remote outposts like Malvado and Watkins. This 1940s-era survey reveals a sprawling ranching economy defined by isolated homesteads and deep drainage systems that feed into the Rio Grande, which forms the international border with Coahuila, Mexico. The map captures the complex topography of the Trans-Pecos region, where family-named properties such as Barksdale Ranch and Hutcherson Ranch are situated among a dense network of dry washes, including Lozier Canyon and Sevenmile Canyon. These features illustrate the vital role of the railroad in sustaining the scattered settlements of Terrell and Val Verde counties before modern highway expansion altered the region's transport patterns.