Llano Estacado, commonly known as the Staked Plains, covers nearly 32,000 square miles and is one of the largest mesas on the continent.

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The high mesa was void of any natural landmarks and early explorers used stakes to mark their routes and to show the way to isolated water holes. In 1541, Coronado described it as “The Stockaded Plains”  which refers to the fortress-like appearance of its imposing escarpments.

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In the late 1800’s, the Llano Estacado was home to some of the largest ranches in the United States. The Rocking Chair, LX, Turkey Track, Shoe Bar, Frying Pan and Matador, to name a few. Oil and gas was discovered in the early 1900’s which led the development of the vast West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico oilfields of the Permian Basin.  

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