1980 Map of Piedra Parada Ranch

About this map

Piedra Parada Ranch and Hilltop Ranch stand as the primary human outposts in this arid stretch of Webb County, characterized by a complex network of ephemeral waterways and stock tanks. The landscape is defined by the drainages of Salado Creek, Gato Creek, and Alamito Creek, which are augmented by numerous named water catchments such as Scarborough Tank, Steven Tank, and Plutarco Tank. These features suggest a ranching economy reliant on carefully managed water resources in a region where surface water is seasonal at best. Distinctive geologic labels like Caliche and several Gravel Pit sites indicate the local substrate and mineral extraction activities of the late 1970s. The map traces the transition from these natural creek beds to the man-made infrastructure necessary to sustain livestock in the South Texas brush country.