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1943 Map of Oil City

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Oil City
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

Oil City serves as a focal point in this New Mexico landscape, which was surveyed by Max J. Gleissner and others during the late 1930s. The region is defined by a series of significant drainage systems and flat basins, including Palmilla Draw, Angel Draw, and the Saladar Flat. Economic interests of the era are clearly visible through the large U. S. Potash Reserve and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad line cutting through the southern portion of the quadrangle.

Genealogists and local historians can trace numerous family-named landmarks and homesteads, such as Angel Ranch, Benson Ranch, and Mullman Ranch. The presence of the Carlsbad National Wildlife Refuge near Lake Avalon highlights early conservation efforts in Eddy County, while isolated water sources like Rattlesnake Well and Chimney Well denote the critical importance of water management in this arid environment.