1956 Map of Rosita Lake

About this map

The arid landscape of Kenedy County in the mid-1950s is defined by a sparse but vital network of water sources essential for cattle ranching. Rosita Lake serves as a primary hydrological focal point, surrounded by a series of named water improvements that suggest a landscape partitioned into large ranching tracts. The prevalence of artesian wells, such as the Burro Pinto Artesian Well and Caldero Artesian Well, highlights the reliance on groundwater in this coastal prairie region. Dozens of windmills are mapped across the terrain, including El Florido Windmill and Tres Esquinas Windmill, each serving as a critical landmark in an otherwise open and undeveloped expanse. The mapping of these specific improvements provides a record of the infrastructure supporting South Texas ranching families and operations during this era.