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1958 Map of Zavalla

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Zavalla
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Angelina National Forest dominates this East Texas landscape, which is marked by the shifting topography of the Neches River and Angelina River valleys. The map documents a significant era of transformation, with blue hatching indicating the planned inundation zones for the proposed McGee Bend Reservoir. This hydraulic project signaled the end for several riverside locales and landmarks, such as the Historical Monument (Site of Fort Teran) located near Bess Bend.

Settlement patterns follow the Texas and New Orleans Railroad corridor, anchoring towns like Zavalla and Rockland. For genealogists and local historians, the sheet is exceptionally detailed, noting family-linked locations like the Dunkin, Boggy, and Havard cemeteries, alongside the Vernon School and industrial sites like the Barium Mill. The transition from active rail use to the Old Railroad Grade suggests the changing timber and transport economy of the mid-century piney woods.