1943 Map of Orangefield

About this map

Oil wells and industrial infrastructure define the landscape of southeastern Texas during the early 1940s, particularly around the settlement of Orangefield. The area's development is heavily influenced by the winding course of Cow Bayou, which dictates the placement of a complex levee system designed to manage the low-lying terrain. Transport networks show a mix of historic routes and modern growth, with the Old Spanish Trail and Old Mansfield Ferry Rd providing land access alongside the Southern Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads. Local genealogy is well-documented through numerous family-named landmarks and burial sites, including Jett Cemetery, Dorman Cem, and Turner Cem. As West Orange and Bridge City begin to take shape, the map records essential community hubs such as McLewis Sch, Bancroft Sch, and Winfree Church.