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1920 Map of Smiley

Name: 1920 Topographic Map of Smiley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1920
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1920

About this map

The Guadalupe River and its numerous tributaries, including Cibolo Creek and Ecleto Creek, define the landscape of this South Texas region where multiple county lines converge. Based on surveys from 1908, the area shows a transition from cattle ranching to a railroad-driven economy, anchored by the Southern Pacific Railroad System which connects centers like Stockdale, Nixon, and Smiley. Smaller rural settlements such as Dewville and Nopal reflect the sparse population outside the primary rail hubs.

Local infrastructure is represented by a network of early roads including the Leesville Belmont Road and Gonzales Road, alongside river crossings like Grays Crossing and Carajabal Crossing. For genealogists and local historians, the map identifies specific family-named landmarks and rural institutions, such as Willow Springs Ranch, Houston Ranch, and a Cemetery near Riddleville. Notable terrain features like Porter Knob and the Capote Hills provide geographic context to the scattered farms and gins of the early twentieth century.