1959 Map of Clay

About this map

The Brazos River carves a winding path through this central Texas landscape, creating dramatic oxbows and abandoned channels like the Old River and Big Bend. This late 1950s survey captures the settlement of Clay and its surrounding agricultural and industrial character, defined by the convergence of major rail lines and water-rich lowlands. To the east, numerous oxbow lakes such as Clay Lake and Tennessee Lake mark the former course of the river, while industry is noted by several Gravel Pits and a Clay Pit near the northern bluffs. Genealogists will find historical burial sites including Betts Ferry Cem, Thomas Cem, and Clay Cem. The transport network is particularly dense here, featuring the Missouri Pacific, the Texas and New Orleans (SP), and the Gulf Colorado and Santa Fe railroads, which facilitated the movement of local materials from the river valley.