1972 Map of Noelke NE

About this map

Mertzon anchors the northern edge of this West Texas landscape, serving as a vital rail point along the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe line in the early 1970s. The terrain is defined by dry draws and seasonal watercourses like Rock Pen Draw and Spring Creek, which reveal the arid character of Irion County. A series of natural springs and windmills scattered across the quadrangle suggest the critical importance of water management for local ranching and transit. Near the railroad, a Roadside Park and several Gravel Pit sites indicate the intersection of transportation infrastructure and local resource extraction. To the south, the map traces the winding path of Dove Creek and a major Pipeline, illustrating how industrial utility and natural topography shaped the region's development during this era.