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1972 Map of McAllen Ranch

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of McAllen Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1993
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1993

About this map

The Mc Allen Ranch and the surrounding South Texas brush country are defined by a complex network of resource extraction and water management as it appeared in the early 1970s. This landscape in Hidalgo County is marked by an extensive Oil and Gas Field serviced by a Gas Plant, a Pumping Sta, and numerous pipelines cutting through the terrain. The reliance on groundwater is evident through the high density of named windmills, such as Los Indios Windmill and San Ignacio Windmill, which were essential for ranching operations in this arid region.

Local history is anchored by the Guadalupe Toreros Cem and small named localities like Rucia and Cook. Of particular interest to hydrologists and local researchers is the Santa Monica Well (Flowing) located in the eastern portion of the survey. The presence of multiple gravel pits and oil wells alongside these established ranching features illustrates the dual economy of agriculture and energy that shaped this part of the Rio Grande Valley during the late twentieth century.