1986 Map of Robert Lee

About this map

The Colorado River and the Concho River systems dominate this West Texas landscape, where the massive E V Spence Reservoir provides a significant water resource for the surrounding ranching and oil-producing country. This mid-1980s compilation reveals a region defined by scattered cattle-country settlements like Robert Lee, Bronte, and Sterling City. Industrial activity is evident in several oil fields and a Quarry near the reservoir, while the rail-and-river economy is anchored by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe line connecting smaller towns like Rowena and Lowake to the larger hub of San Angelo. The terrain is punctuated by distinctive mesas and peaks, including Hayrick Mountain, Goat Mountain, and Nipple Peak, which serve as prominent landmarks across the plains. Historical sites such as Fort Chadbourne offer a glimpse into the frontier history of the area, while the network of canals, like the Main Canal near Carlsbad, illustrates the importance of irrigation to the local agricultural economy.