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1965 Map of Orvil

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Orvil
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The Tire Proving Ground dominates this mid-1960s landscape, featuring a large circular track and an Observation Tower central to its operations. This specialized industrial footprint is set against a backdrop of traditional ranching infrastructure in Webb County. The presence of numerous named water tanks, such as Juan Tank, Bull Trap Tank, and Calabaza Tank, suggests a land managed for livestock where natural surface water was scarce.

Transportation is anchored by the Missouri Pacific railroad, which runs parallel to the highway through the small settlement of Orvil. Family and ranch landmarks are identified through several windmills, including the Molina Windmill and Navarro Windmill. Local industry is further evidenced by several Gravel Pits located near the rail line, while Sombrerito Creek and Chacon Creek provide the primary natural drainage features for the area.