1957 Map of Altair

About this map

The Colorado River carves a deep, serpentine path through this 1957 landscape, defining the character of the Colorado County terrain. Near the settlement of Altair, the intersection of heavy industry and rural life is evident where the Texas and New Orleans (Southern Pacific) railroad tracks cut across the plains. The map records several vital community landmarks, including Mt Carmel Ch and the Washington Carver Sch, providing clear evidence of the mid-century social fabric. Resource extraction is a prominent theme, with the Englehart Oil Field marked by numerous oil wells and tanks, while gravel pits and strip mines line the riverbanks. For genealogists and local historians, the inclusion of Gaines Crossing (Historical) and family-named water features like Marys Branch and McKenzie Creek offers a grounded look at the local geography before more modern developments altered the drainage and transportation networks.