1973 Map of Three Bluff Draw

About this map

The rugged intersection of several West Texas counties comes into focus in this early 1970s survey, where Reagan, Sterling, Tom Green, and Irion counties meet. The landscape is defined by the ephemeral drainage systems of the Concho River watershed, including Hackberry Draw, Tristan Creek, and the prominent Three Bluff Draw. This era marks a significant period of energy exploration and resource extraction in the Permian Basin, evidenced by the extensive oil and gas infrastructure throughout Cope Field. Isolated ranching outposts like Lone Joe Ranch sit among a network of unimproved roads and numerous gravel pits, illustrating the sparse but industrial character of the plains. Trace the early development of local petroleum fields and the persistent cattle ranching footprint that has long characterized this portion of the Edwards Plateau.