1953 Map of Palestine

About this map

The Trinity River and Neches River define the winding, forested topography of this East Texas region during the mid-twentieth century. Major rail networks, including the Missouri Pacific RR and Southern Pacific RR, anchor established centers like Palestine, Nacogdoches, and Lufkin. The era's industrial footprint is visible through extensive energy production at the Cayuga Oil Field and Long Lake Oil Field in the west. Conservation and recreation are represented by the sprawling boundaries of the Davy Crockett National Forest and Angelina National Forest. One significant geographical change is noted with the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is shown as an area to be submerged, marking a transition in the valley of the Angelina River as major water management projects began to reshape the local landscape.