1956 Map of Washburn

About this map

Washburn stands as a pivotal rail junction on the High Plains during the mid-1950s, where the Fort Worth and Denver (Burlington) intersects with the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific. This Panhandle landscape is defined by its industrial and transit corridors, featuring a prominent Telegraph Line and a substantial Pipeline that traverse the flat terrain near Yarnall. The map reveals the intricate water management required in this arid region, dotted with numerous labels for wells and a central Pumping Sta. To the south, the terrain breaks toward Mulberry Creek, providing a natural contrast to the grid-like precision of the highway system, including the legendary Route 66 and Highway 287. The local history of the area is anchored by the Washburn Cem, serving as a permanent record of the families who settled this intersection of commerce and transport.