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1953 Map of Crystal City

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Crystal City
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

The Nueces River and Frio River basins define this South Texas landscape during a period of mid-century agricultural and industrial transition. Centered on Crystal City, the map documents the critical infrastructure of the era, including the International-Great Northern RR and the Pan American Highway, which served as the primary arteries for transporting the region's produce and oil.

Smaller settlements such as Winter Haven, Artesia Wells, and Bermuda are shown alongside aviation landmarks like the Cotulla CAA Intermediate Airfield and Dimmitt Co Municipal Airfield. Numerous creek systems, including Chaparrosa Creek and Tortugas Creek, crisscross the terrain between the burgeoning Oil fields to the east and the established ranchlands. This survey provides a clear view of the rural school and community network before the consolidation of many small South Texas outposts.