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1956 Map of La Feria

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of La Feria
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The irrigated landscape of the Lower Rio Grande Valley centers on La Feria in the mid-1950s, where a complex network of canals and elevated ditches supports a thriving agricultural economy. This survey documents the transition between the Hidalgo and Cameron County line, showcasing how the terrain is dominated by water management features like the La Feria Reservoir and the Valley Acres Reservoir. Significant topographic markers include the extensive Tiocano Lake Bed and the winding course of the Arroyo Colorado at the southern edge of the quadrangle.

Transportation and aviation are central to this era, with the Missouri Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads cutting through the citrus groves and fields. Local community life is anchored by institutions such as the San Francisco Cemeteries and schools like Wilson Sch and Sam Houston Sch. The map also captures early aviation infrastructure at the Harlingen (Richards) Municipal Airport and Central Valley Airport, illustrating the regional connectivity during this period of South Texas growth.