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1954 Map of Pecos

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Pecos
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

The Pecos River carves a winding path through this West Texas landscape, serving as the central artery for a region defined by high-desert hydrology and petroleum extraction. By the mid-1950s, the terrain is marked by an extensive network of windmills and underground pipelines, particularly around burgeoning centers like Odessa and Kermit. The map illustrates the historical reliance on vital water sources such as Red Bluff Lake, Santa Rosa Spring, and Zimmerman Reservoir to support ranching operations like Goodrich Ranch and Robinson Ranch.

Transport corridors follow established paths, with the Texas and Pacific and Panhandle and Santa Fe railroads connecting isolated stations. Significant historical landmarks are documented, including the famous Horsehead Crossing and the Hurd Memorial. Beyond the river valley, the geography shifts toward the distinctive Sand Hills and prominent elevations such as Castle Mountain and King Mountain, which stand above a landscape increasingly dotted with numerous small intermittent lakes and oil fields.