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1983 Map of Plata

Name: 1983 Topographic Map of Plata
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Plata sits as a lonely hub within the arid terrain of Presidio County, defined by the winding course of Alamito Creek and the steel path of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad. This 1983 survey reflects a landscape of ranching and remote outposts, where life is dictated by the scarce water sources that dot the canyons and flats. Named springs like Jack Brown Spring, White Springs, and the Sauceda Spring reveal the critical infrastructure for livestock in the high desert.

Evidence of early habitation and family history appears at the Alamito Cem, located just north of the rail siding. The map details a complex network of ephemeral drainages, including Mimbrosa Creek and Sauceda Creek, alongside aviation markers like a remote Landing Strip. These features together illustrate the logistical challenges of West Texas, where distance and water availability shape every settlement and transportation route.