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1953 Map of Carville

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Carville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

The Mississippi River defines the landscape of this riverbend region, where the sweeping curves of the water create natural landforms like Claiborne Island and Philadelphia Point. The map illustrates the specialized land-use patterns of the Louisiana river parishes in the early 1950s, characterized by long, narrow property lines extending back from the riverbanks. Notable institutional landmarks are present, most notably the National Leprosarium south of Carville.

Transport and commerce revolve around the water and the rails, with numerous river access points such as Hard Times Landing and Dreyfus Landing serving the local economy. The Illinois Central and Texas and Pacific railroads flank the river, connecting settlements like Geismar, Modeste, and Alhambra. Local community life is documented through scattered rural schools and churches, including St Gabriel Sch, Immanuel Ch, and Mt Bethel Ch, which served the families living along the levees.