1971 Map of Shafter Lake

About this map

Shafter Lake dominates this West Texas landscape, surrounded by the intensive infrastructure of a widespread Oil Field as it appeared in the early 1970s. The presence of the Shafter Lake Cem on the southern shore and the small settlement of Underwood to the north suggests the historical footprint of a community centered around the playa lake and the ranching industry. Evidence of local ranching operations is visible at the Bar F Ranch, while the natural topography is defined by the winding course of Monument Draw, which cuts across the terrain north of the lake. This survey documents a specific transition in Andrews County history, where traditional land use like the ranch and cemetery coexist with the expanding energy sector, marked by numerous well sites and utility pipelines crossing the basin.