1934 Map of La Coma

About this map

The sinuous channel of Resaca Los Cuates and other distributary waterways define this coastal landscape on the edge of the Laguna Madre. Surveyed in 1929, the topography illustrates the complex hydraulic environment of Cameron County before significant modern development, where ancient river bends formed distinctive resacas like Resaca de la Gringa. Transportation in the region relied on the Missouri Pacific RR and the Buena Vista Road, which connected isolated outposts such as La Coma Ranch and the small settlement of Abney. Along the shoreline, landforms such as Moranco Blanco and Loma la Jauja rise above the wetlands and tidal flats near Holly Beach. County Engineer W.O. Washington and local commissioners provided data for this survey, which documents the critical relationship between the South Texas ranching economy and the natural drainage patterns of the Laguna Atascosa basin.