1952 Map of Mesquite Bay

About this map

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge dominates the coastal landscape of this mid-century survey, spanning the transition from the Black Jack Peninsula into the expansive waters of San Antonio Bay. The environment is defined by a complex network of barrier islands and tidal flats, including Matagorda Island and the Second Chain of Islands. Evidence of early industrial and ranching activity is scattered throughout the marshy terrain, seen in the presence of Carlos Windmills, the Jack Windmill, and several isolated gas and oil wells. Navigation is anchored by the Intracoastal Waterway, which cuts a straight path through the natural curves of Sundown Bay and Ayres Bay. Researchers can trace the intricate shoreline of Big Brundrett Lake and the various man-made channels like the Ayres Dugout that facilitated movement through these shallow Texas coastal waters.