Geography and Geology of the Black and Grand Prairies, Texas

Part VII of the USGS Twenty-First Annual Report.

This incredibly detailed report on the prairies of Texas was compiled by Robert T. Hill of the United States Geological Survey and published in 1901 by the Government Printing Office. Over 650 pages, 64 plates, and 7 large folding maps provide a wealth of geologic information on the fertile region that runs across much of the central part of the state from Austin to Denison. Images of fossils and rock formations, tables of data, and cross-sections of boreholes provide much of the visually engaging content. The location of artestian wells is a critical component of the survey – necessary for the agricultural development that has essentially eradicated the original Texas Blackland Prairies.

The fold-out maps (the largest approximately 29″ x 30.5″) include:

• Topographic Map of the Black Prairie and Grand Prairie regions of Texas and southern Indian Territory, including the Eastern and Western Cross Timbers
• Geologic Map of the Black and Grand Prairies of Texas
• Profiles to Illustrate Section Lines on Plate LXVI (geologic map)
• Location and Depth of the Artesian Wells of the Black Prairie and Grand Prairie Regions of Texas
• Catchment, Embed, and Availability of Trinity Reservoirs
• Catchment, Embed, and Availability of Paluxy Reservoir
• Catchment, Embed, and Availability of Woodbine Reservoirs