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1956 Map of Mercedes

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Mercedes
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Agricultural irrigation and civil engineering define the landscape between Weslaco and Mercedes in this mid-century survey of the Rio Grande Valley. The complex water management system is visible through the extensive network of the North Floodway, Pilot Channel, and numerous features labeled as Elevated Ditch. These waterways supported the expansion of settlements like Heidelberg and Harmony Hill while navigating the natural curves of the Arroyo Colorado and Llano Grande Lake.

Social and industrial infrastructure is densely packed along the Missouri Pacific railroad corridor, featuring institutions like the Texas College of Arts and Industries and specialized facilities such as the Memorial Old Folks Home. The northern reaches of the map show the industrial footprint of the Lacy-Mercedes Gas Field, contrasting with the community centers of South Palm Gardens School and several local burial grounds including Highland Memorial Cemetery and Cementerio Bautista.