1955 Map of Sour Lake

About this map

Sour Lake Oil Field and the surrounding piney woods define this mid-century landscape at the junction of Hardin, Liberty, and Jefferson counties. The town of Sour Lake sits atop the notable Sour Lake Dome, a geologic feature that drove the region's early petroleum boom. The map captures a dense network of energy infrastructure, including numerous oil wells and pipelines, juxtaposed against traditional settlement patterns. Local history is preserved in rural landmarks like Pine Ridge Ch and its neighboring Pine Ridge Cem, as well as the Henderson Sch near the community of China.