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1967 Map of Novice West

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Novice West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

The boundary between Runnels Co Coleman Co bisects this landscape of West Texas ranching and oil production during the late 1960s. The settlement of Novice sits in the northeast corner, served by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad and the waters of Novice City Lake. The terrain is defined by the winding drainages of Jim Ned Creek and its southern fork, while the prominent Blue Gap stands out in the northwest. Local history is anchored by Atoka Cem and Crews Cem, providing essential markers for genealogical research.

Energy extraction is a central theme of this period, with the extensive Williams Field and various oil wells scattered across the hills. Natural water sources like Pecan Spring and Jim Ned Spring appear as critical features in an otherwise arid environment where numerous gravel pits indicate local industry and road building. The map captures a moment when rail transport and petroleum production dictated the layout of small Texas communities like McCord.