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This manuscript map showcases a survey overseen by Captain C.S. Riché in May 1900, illustrating the Upper Galveston Bay area at a scale of 1/80,000.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coastal Texas was undergoing significant transformations, partly due to the burgeoning oil industry and maritime trade. The map's focus on the triangulation system around Edwards Point and other notable locations like Red Bluff and Mesquite Knoll underscores the strategic importance of accurate coastal mapping for navigation and development during this period. Galveston Bay was quickly becoming a hub for rail-to-ship exchange.
Captain C.S. Riché's role in overseeing the creation of this map situates it within the broader context of military and governmental involvement in geographic and hydrographic surveys. These surveys were essential for both national security and the facilitation of commerce, especially in areas like Upper Galveston Bay, which was a hub of maritime activity. The map details various landmarks such as Clear Lake, Seabrook, Cedar Point, Mesquite Knoll, La Porte, Red Bluff, and San Jacinto Bay, providing a comprehensive view of the region's geography at the turn of the 20th century.
Drawn on drafting linen, a material chosen for its durability and suitability for precise work, the map represents a tangible connection to the era's cartographic practices and technological advancements. Its depiction of Upper Galveston Bay offers insight into the landscape and settlement patterns of coastal Texas during a period of significant economic and industrial development.
