c.1952 South Padre Island Texas Real Estate Development Map John L. Tompkins

Date: c.1952Artist: Unknown Size (in): 14” x 8.5”Size (cm): 35.6 x 21.6Condition: BLinen backed: NoThis is a vintage original and rare c.1952 promotional brochure with map of South Padre Island, Texas issued by the real estate developer John L. Tompkins & Co. John L. Tompkins purchased 1470 acres on Padre Island in 1950 which included the entire town of present day South Padre Island and officially named it “Padre Beach.” Almost immediately Tompkins began promoting his vision of a thriving seaside community real estate development. In the beginning there was no vehicular causeway but that changed in 1953 when the initial Queen Isabella Causeway was opened.  Rapid development of Padre Island followed. This brochure is single piece with a large map covering the entirety of one side titled “Padre Beach on South Padre Island”. The cartouche area of the map indicates “Padre Island Development Perspective Map Compliments of John L. Tompkins & Company, Developers – 214-215 Jones Bldg.