1970 Map of Tatum South

About this map

Tatum and the smaller settlement of McDonald anchor this southern Lea County landscape, characterized by the expansive drainage of Eightmile Draw. Based on 1970 surveys with 1982 photographic revisions, the map reveals a terrain heavily shaped by the energy industry. A vast network of wells and a prominent Pipeline cut across the high plains, illustrating the mid-century petroleum expansion in the Permian Basin. This industrial footprint is interspersed with local landmarks like Callaghan, several Gravel Pits, and a designated Landing Area south of McDonald. Within Tatum, the presence of Athletic Fields and a Radio Tower point to the town's role as a local center for recreation and communication. The map is a meticulous study of a working landscape where ranching-era drainage patterns meet the intensive infrastructure of modern resource extraction.