1919 Map of Playas

About this map

Playas Lake dominates the center of this 1917–1918 field survey, stretching through the basin between the high peaks of the Animas Mountains and the lower eastern hills. The transport corridor of the El Paso and Southwestern railroad cuts across the northern landscape, establishing the small settlements of Playas and Antelope as vital stops in this arid environment. The map records the sparse but significant human presence of the early twentieth century, such as the Whitmire Ranch located at the edge of the lake bed and the critical geographic crossing at Whitmire Pass. This era represents a period before major hydrological changes, showing the natural extent of the lake and the established cattle-and-rail economy that defined Hidalgo County. The work was overseen by Chief Geographer R.B. Marshall and reflects the meticulous topographical detail captured during the cooperation between the U.S. Geological Survey and the War Department.