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1952 Map of Palacios SE

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Palacios SE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1991
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1991

About this map

The narrow stretch of the Matagorda Peninsula separates the open Gulf of Mexico from the shallow reaches of Matagorda Bay in this 1952 survey. This coastal environment is defined by its complex tidal hydrology, featuring numerous inlets such as Maverick Bayou, Big Bayou, and Long Bayou that cut through the sandy barrier. Along the northern shoreline, the Intracoastal Waterway provides a protected passage for maritime traffic, passing just south of Mad Island Lake.

A notable curiosity in the bay waters is the location of Submerged Iron Rails near the eastern margin, hinting at forgotten industrial or maritime infrastructure. The topography is minimal, with a Levee protecting land near the Intracoastal route and several reefs including Mad Island Reef and Shell Island Reef marking hazards and habitats within the bay. This map captures the peninsula before significant modern coastal changes, preserving the original configuration of its marshy bay-side fingers.