Lower San in 1965   In 1944, the Banana Bend area was completely undeveloped. There were no roads and the only way in was by foot or horseback, or by boat. The river was a moving flowing fresh water source. The banks were lined with a variety of trees but mostly Oak, White and Yellow Pine, and Bald Cypress. The white cloudy looking areas are sandy areas deposited by the river over the last 10,000 to 30,000 years as the course of the river changed. The "C" and "Y" looking stripes are actually the remnants of an ancient Ox-bow in the river. The sand deposited here was a fine grain white "sugar" sand. It was perfect for the growing Houston area where concrete was in high demand. Sand Mining began here in the 40's when sand was dredged from this spot, loaded on barges and taken to the Port of Houston. Many of the other white areas are today sites of Open Pit sand mining. For area overview, click here!