2012 Map of Paynes Corner

About this map

The oil and gas industry defines the landscape of Gaines County at the turn of the decade, as seen in this 2012 study of the West Texas plains. Centered on the crossroads of Paynes Corner, the map reveals an intensive grid of service roads and infrastructure supporting large-scale petroleum extraction. The complex network of county roads, such as Co RD-319 and Co RD-315, provides access to numerous well sites and facilities including the Riley Oil Field, the North Riley Oil Field, and the central Riley Gas Plant. This industrial footprint is typical of the Permian Basin's modern development, where agricultural section lines often merge with the utilitarian geometry of energy production. Regional connectivity is maintained by Ranch Road 1757 and Ranch Road 181, which link this productive corner of the county to the wider Texas road system.