1956 Map of Thomas Ranch

About this map

Thomas Ranch and several other family holdings occupy the high plains above the dramatic incision of Palo Duro Canyon in this mid-century survey of Randall County. The landscape is defined by the sharp contrast between the level, playa-dotted surface of the Llano Estacado and the deep, eroded drainage systems that feed into the canyon floor. Named features like Windmill Draw and Dugout Draw point to the practicalities of ranching in this arid environment, where water access was managed through features like Lake Az and numerous springs along the canyon walls. The network of family-named sites, including Stevens Ranch and Upshaw Ranch, illustrates a period of established cattle operations before modern suburban expansion began to alter the character of the region south of Amarillo. The topography reveals intricate geological detailing within Deep Canyon and Forked Draw, providing a clear record of the area's natural drainage before significant modern alteration.