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1957 Map of Columbus

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

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

The Colorado River carves a dramatic loop around Columbus, where mid-century transportation and extraction industries converge. The town's grid is bisected by the Southern Pacific railroad and the Texas and New Orleans Highway, while the historic Old Spanish Trail cuts through the southern landscape. This era shows a community built on a diverse economic base, ranging from the Columbus Oil Field in the north to numerous strip mines and gravel pits scattered along the riverbanks.

Rural life is anchored by the rail junction at Glidden, while social landmarks like the Rodeo Grounds, Fairground, and a Drive-in Theater reflect the local culture. Private aviation is evident with the Columbus Airstrip and the remote 2 G Ranch Airstrip to the south. Waterways like Cummins Creek and Ratliff Creek define the drainage of this coastal plain territory during a period of steady industrial development.