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1954 Map of Vidaurri

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Vidaurri
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

The coastal plains of Refugio County are defined here by a massive network of petroleum infrastructure and ranching outposts during the mid-1950s. The Missouri Pacific railroad cuts a diagonal line across the landscape, linking the settlement of Vidaurri with smaller outposts like Greta. The landscape is dominated by extensive energy development, including the Vidaurri Field, Greta Oil Field, and Melon Creek Oil Field, where numerous oil tanks, pipelines, and manifolds are mapped alongside a landing strip.

Beyond the industrial footprint, the map captures a rural Texas economy anchored by large landholdings such as the Welder Ranch and Lambert Ranch. Hydrological features like the dry bed of Sharps Lake, Twin Mott Lake, and the winding course of Copano Creek illustrate the low-lying terrain typical of the region. Local landmarks such as Quintana Camp and Upton Corner provide specific points of interest for genealogists tracing family ties to these ranching and oil communities.