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1952 Map of Markham

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Markham
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1991
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1991

About this map

The North Markham Oil Field anchors the northern landscape of this survey, illustrating the industrial footprint of petroleum production in Matagorda County during the mid-20th century. The settlement of Markham serves as the primary hub, characterized by a structured grid of streets positioned west of the Colorado River. This river corridor is heavily managed, featuring an extensive system of Levee protections and technical infrastructure like the Pumping Station and Gaging Station near the river bend.

To the south, the smaller community of Buckeye sits along a lingering Old Railroad Grade, marking a shift from the oil-rich north to an area defined by agricultural drainage. Water management is central to the terrain, with Wilson Creek winding through the western fields and Lake Le Tulle providing a distinct recreational or irrigation landmark near Le Tulle Park. The map captures a moment when traditional rail-bound transport was being superseded, yet the physical scars of the tracks remained prominent features of the rural topography.