1927 Map of Pickwick

About this map

The Brazos River meanders in tight, dramatic loops across this 1920s landscape, creating a series of named bends like Fortune Bend and Costello Bend that define the local geography. Before the major dam projects transformed the basin, these oxbows were the heart of rural life, hosting the Fortune Bend School and several river fords such as Shut in Crossing. The topography is marked by significant elevations like McAdams Pk and School House Mtn, while the settlement of Pickwick and the nearby Mc Adams Cem provide critical touchpoints for family historians. This survey captures the region just before the creation of the massive reservoir, documenting the original Possum Kingdom terrain and the winding trails through McAdams Valley. On the eastern edge, the W. M. W. & N. W. railroad serves Graford, connecting the ranching country of Belding Ranch to wider markets.