1962 Map of McAllen
USGS Topo · Published 1962About this map
The Rio Grande defines the international boundary and the economic life of the Rio Grande Valley in the late 1950s, anchoring a landscape where agricultural expansion and military readiness converge. The density of settlements like McAllen, Edinburg, and Mission contrasts with the surrounding brushland, which is dotted with extensive Oil wells and specialized infrastructure like the Zapata Nuclear Control and Warning Station. The map illustrates the region's managed water systems, from the massive Falcon Reservoir and Falcon Dam to the intricate Arroyo Colorado Floodway and Edinburg Settling Basin. Transportation networks are dominated by the Missouri Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads, which move goods through the valley. Natural landmarks including the Sal del Rey Lake and the Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge appear alongside Cold War-era sites like Moore Air Force Base, reflecting the diverse uses of the South Texas borderlands.
Find a feature on this map
93 named features on this map. Tap any name to fly to it.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? This feature index may not catch every label — zoom into the map to look around manually.
Map Details
Editions of this 1962 McAllen Map
This is the sole edition of this map. No revisions or reprints were ever made.
