1959 Map of Chicot Lake

About this map

The Atchafalaya Basin dominates this late-1950s landscape, revealing a complex network of bayous and swamps before modern water management significantly altered the drainage of South Louisiana. The map captures the industrial character of the era, marked by the Bayou Sorrel Oil Field and the Chicot Lake Oil Field, illustrating how petroleum extraction integrated into the wetlands. Settlement is concentrated along the waterways, notably near Crescent and the community of Pigeon, where life revolved around the Grand River and the Lower Grand River Waterway. Local history is anchored by landmarks like the Full Gospel Mission, Jack Miller Store, and Upper Grand River Sch. The terrain is defined by a maze of water bodies including Chicot Lake, Sullivans Lake, and Flat Lake, while Big Island and Turkey Island provide relief among the winding passes such as Chicot Pass.