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1965 Map of Orvil

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Orvil
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

The settlement of Orvil and the surrounding brushlands of Webb County are defined here by a massive industrial testing facility, the Tire Proving Ground, featuring a prominent circular track and an Observation Tower. This landscape in South Texas illustrates the transition from traditional ranching to specialized industry during the mid-20th century. The Missouri Pacific railroad serves as the primary transportation artery, cutting a straight line through the terrain alongside several Gravel Pits and a small Roadside Park.

Water management in this arid environment is recorded through a network of named stock tanks and windmills, such as Macana Windmill, La Coma Windmill, and Juan Tank. These features, along with drainage systems like Sombrerito Creek and Chacon Creek, reveal the historical reliance on scattered water sources for livestock. The map also captures local landmarks like La Persa Grande, providing a detailed view of family-named sites across the expansive ranch lands.