1954 Map of Three Islands

About this map

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge dominates this mid-century coastal landscape, preserving a complex environment of sand, mud, and water along the Texas shoreline. The map documents the mid-1950s configuration of the Laguna Madre, showing the dredge operations that established the Intracoastal Waterway with its accompanying Spoil Area mounds. This industrial effort contrasts with the natural topography of the Three Islands chain and smaller features like Horse Island, Rattlesnake Island, and Yucca Island. Along the western shore, the transition from the Laguna Atascosa to land is marked by Red Head Bluff and the meandering Resaca de los Cuates. The mapping includes specific hydrographic details such as the Project Depth 12 Feet markings, illustrating the federal maritime engineering required to maintain this vital shipping corridor between the barrier of Padre Island and the mainland.