1951 Map of Potrero Lopeno NW

About this map

Padre Island anchors the eastern margin of this mid-century survey, defined by shifting sand dunes reaching elevations of 26 feet against the Gulf of Mexico. The landscape is dominated by the expansive Laguna Madre, where the Intracoastal Waterway cuts a straight north-south path through the shallow waters. A string of Spoil Banks follows the channel, reflecting the industrial dredging efforts required to maintain this vital maritime artery. To the west, the mainland peninsula of Potrero Lopeno and landforms like El Toro and Banderia Pt emerge from a terrain of sand and mud. This 1950s documentation by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey provides a precise look at the coastal geography of Kenedy County before more modern development, emphasizing the transient nature of the barrier island topography.