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1952 Map of Lake Austin

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Lake Austin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Industrial and hydrological engineering define the coastal landscape of Matagorda County in the early 1950s. The prominence of Lake Austin is complemented by an intricate network of waterways, including Peyton Creek and Canoe Bayou, which are intersected by an extensive system of man-made Levee structures. These levees follow the contours of the wetlands and marshes, particularly near Big Boggy Creek, reflecting a mid-century effort to manage the local water table and protect the surrounding terrain.

The map reveals a landscape heavily utilized for resource extraction, punctuated by numerous Flowing Wells and Oil Wells. Significant water bodies such as Lake Kilbride and Lake Poulton are situated in the southern reaches, where Chinquapin Bayou meets Live Oak Bayou. A small Landing Strip near the bayou provides evidence of the area's specialized transportation needs, likely serving the nearby oil operations or remote coastal access points.