1956 Map of Thomas Ranch

About this map

Palo Duro Canyon dominates this 1950s survey of the Texas Panhandle, revealing the dramatic transition from the flat High Plains to the deeply eroded breaks of the Red River. The map documents a landscape defined by large-scale ranching operations, including Thomas Ranch, Stevens Ranch, and Sorelle Ranch, which sit atop the relatively level tableland. The terrain drops sharply into a network of rugged drainage features such as Thomas Draw, Chalk Hollow, and Dugout Draw, all feeding into the primary canyon floor. Within the depths of the canyon, essential water sources like Blue Spring and Deep Spring are marked alongside the Park Trail, indicating early recreational access and land management. The presence of an Oil Well and several windmill-dependent draws highlights the dual economic reliance on ranching and natural resources in this part of Randall County. Significant revisions from 1967, shown in purple, reflect subtle changes in the local infrastructure and land use over the decade following the original fieldwork.