1969 Map of Ozark Lake

About this map

The arid landscape of Ward and Crane counties is defined by the extensive petroleum infrastructure of the late 1960s, notably within the Shipley Oil Field. This survey captures a region where the water supply is meticulously managed through a network of named water sources and numerous windmills, including the North Winters Windmill, Gyp Flats Windmill, and Pigman Windmill. At the heart of this industrial terrain lies Ozark Lake, accompanied by a Chemical Plant and nearby Substa, illustrating the intersection of natural features and energy extraction. The small settlement of Royalty sits in the southwest corner, while the broader geography is punctuated by individual homesteads and landmarks like Estes Ranch and Gyp Flats. This document serves as a detailed record of the West Texas oil economy and the survival of ranching operations like the Old Ranch Well in a challenging environment.