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1957 Map of Abilene West

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Abilene West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Dyess Air Force Base dominates the western landscape of this mid-century Texas survey, illustrating the significant military footprint near the city limits. The expansion of Abilene is evident in the burgeoning residential grids of Crescent Heights and the presence of numerous institutions like McMurry College and the West Texas Rehabilitation Center (KRBC) Radio and TV Station. The region's infrastructure is defined by the Texas and Pacific railroad and the Veterans World War II Highway, which serve as primary east-west corridors.

Rural character remains visible along the winding paths of Elm Creek and Little Elm Creek, where small schools such as Pleasant Hill Sch and Bonham Sch served local families. The map also records the presence of extractive industries through scattered Gravel Pits and Oil Wells, particularly near the communities of Tye and Caps. From the Football Stadium to Hughes Airport, the sheet captures a community balancing its ranching roots with modern aviation and academic growth.