1923 Map of Lopena Island

About this map

Padre Island stretches along the Texas coast in this early 1920s topographical study, serving as a narrow barrier between the open Gulf of Mexico and the shallow expanse of Laguna Madre. The map illustrates the coastal geography of Kenedy County before the era of modern development, highlighting the dynamic landscape of sand and water. To the west, Lopena Island emerges within the lagoon, while the mainland shore shows the edge of the Saltillo and Turida ranches. This survey, conducted shortly after the turn of the century by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, emphasizes the intricate shoreline and bathymetry of the gulf, providing a clear record of the island's natural state and tidal patterns during this period.