1978 Map of Presler Lake

About this map

Cato Oil Field dominates the eastern horizon of this Chaves County landscape, where industrial extraction meets a network of ephemeral water bodies and livestock infrastructure. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the terrain was defined by numerous Oil Wells and a crisscrossing Pipeline system, signifying the region's energy production. Scattered across the plains are vital water resources such as Presler Lake, Broke Tank Lake, and the expansive Red Lake to the west. These basins, along with smaller features like Broke Tank and Cooper Tank, reveal the necessity of water management in an arid environment. The presence of East Camp suggests a concentrated point of activity for ranching or oil field operations, while numerous Drill Holes and Gravel Pits indicate active geotechnical exploration and material extraction during this era.