1960 Map of Orange

About this map

The Sabine River snakes through the heart of this coastal border region, defining the intricate water-based industry of Orange and its surrounding communities. In the early 1960s, the landscape is a complex network of man-made cuts and natural bayous, with the U S Naval Station and the Turning Basin highlighting the area's maritime importance. Dense residential neighborhoods in Brownwood and West Orange contrast with the expansive marshes and islands to the east, such as Pavell Island and Big Island. Local life is anchored by numerous institutions, including St Marys High Sch, the Hebrew Cem, and Evergreen Cem. The convergence of the Southern Pacific railroad and the Intracoastal Waterway illustrates a mid-century hub where rail and river traffic met to drive the local economy.