1954 Map of San Antonio

About this map

The city of San Antonio dominates the eastern half of this landscape, surrounded by an extensive network of military installations including Kelly AFB, Lackland AFB, and the Camp Bullis Military Reservation. The geography is defined by the Balcones Escarpment, which separates the coastal plains from the rising Edwards Plateau to the west. This transition is marked by numerous waterways like the Guadalupe River and Medina River, and the creation of large reservoirs such as Canyon Lake and Medina Lake. Toward the west, the terrain becomes more pronounced, featuring landmarks like Sulphur Mountain and the deep cuts of the Frio Canyon. Smaller settlements like Boerne, Bandera, and Uvalde serve as anchors for the ranching and hill country regions. The infrastructure of the era is clearly visible through the lines of the Southern Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads, which connect the urban core to the surrounding counties.