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1950 Map of Mercury

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Mercury
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

The Colorado River winds through the heart of this Central Texas landscape, marking the jagged boundaries between Coleman, Brown, McCulloch, and San Saba counties. This mid-century survey captures a rural ranching and farming economy defined by small, dispersed settlements like Mercury, Placid, and Winchell. The land is punctuated by distinctive topographical landmarks, such as the prominent High Lonesome and Pack Saddle Hill, which rise above the surrounding creek drainages.

Genealogists and local historians can locate community focal points that anchored rural life, including the Deep Creek Church, Elm Grove School, and the evocative Cowboy Cemetery. The transportation network is dominated by the Gulf Colorado and Santa Fe railroad, which provided a vital link for these communities. The presence of features like McDowell Well and various creek branches such as Corn Creek and Richland Spring Creek underscores the essential role of water resources in this part of McCulloch County.