Loading map...

1893 Map of Roby

Name: 1893 Topographic Map of Roby
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1893
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1893

About this map

Roby serves as a central hub in this West Texas survey, conducted during a period of early settlement across the Rolling Plains. The landscape is defined by the winding course of the Clear Fork of Brazos River and a network of ephemeral creeks like Alkali Creek and Sandy Creek. In the late nineteenth century, small community centers such as Swedonia, Taopi, and Neinda dotted the cattle country, long before later oil discoveries or the expansion of regional highways.

The southern edge of the map is dominated by the industrial influence of the Texas and Pacific Railway, which facilitated the growth of stops like Eskota. This rail corridor provided the primary link to the outside world for ranching families gathering at Winters Chapel or navigating the high ground near Monument Peak. The map captures a moment when land use was primarily tied to water sources and rail access, showing the exact placement of early rural post offices and landmarks like Flat Top Mountain and Skinout Mountain.