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1960 Map of The Palisades

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of The Palisades
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

Palo Duro Canyon carves a dramatic path through the High Plains south of Amarillo, dominated by the erosion of the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River. This 1960 survey illustrates the striking contrast between the flat upland agricultural tablelands and the deeply dissected canyon floor. Along the rim and within the breaks, the map identifies landmarks such as The Palisades and Devils Kitchen, while the river's winding course is dotted with water features like Palo Duro Club Lake and Currie Lake.

Cultural development in this part of Randall County is defined by the intersection of ranching and early leisure activities. The Panhandle and Santa Fe railroad skirts the northern edge near Zita and Haney, while the canyon interior hosts Camp Harrington. Private landholdings like the Thomas Ranch and Currie Ranch sit alongside industrial marks such as a Quarry and various pipeline crossings, showing how the landscape was utilized during the mid-twentieth century.