1956 Map of Zapata

About this map

Zapata and its surrounding ranchlands occupy a prominent bend of the Rio Grande in this detailed survey, reflecting a landscape shaped by the international border and a deep-rooted ranching economy. The settlement pattern is defined by family-named estates like Ramireno Ranch, San Miguel Ranch, and Boleño Ranch, which are interspersed with essential watercourses such as Arroyo Molletes and Arroyo San Bartolo. The presence of the U S Customhouse in Zapata underscores the town's role as a vital crossing point between the United States and Tamaulipas. This map preserves the layout of these riverfront communities and inland outposts, including the curiously named Goat Camp, before the regional landscape was significantly altered by later water management projects along the border.