1955 Map of Baird

About this map

Phosphate mining defines the industrial character of this landscape along the border of Polk and Hardee counties. The central corridor is dominated by a sprawling Strip Mine complex, with extensive areas marked as reclaimed strip mine and numerous mine dumps altering the natural drainage. Amidst this heavy earth-moving activity, the settlement of Baird and the Substa outpost stand near the rail lines, while local life persists at Welcome Ch and Payne Creek Ch. The geography is a study in transition, where water features like Hookers Prairie and Little Payne Creek navigate around industrial excavations. An Old Railroad Grade and an Old RR Grade trace former transport routes, signaling the long-standing importance of heavy industry to the region's economy.