The Lower San Jacinto in 1989

By 1989, several new features developed. A new Hwy 90 cuts through the northern (top) edge of this picture. The beginnings of Battleground Speedway can be seen in the Eastern-most (right) side of this photo.

Also highly visible in this photo is the spread of open pit sand mining in the area. All along the banks a "swiss cheese" effect was taking place. Environmental activism had mostly put a stop to sand dredging along the river but there was (and still is) nothing to stop open pit sand mining. At this point, Banana Bend is only a small strip of land between the river and a large open pit sand mine.

Banana Bend Picture

Click here to take a look at the other(southern) half of this photo.