1953 Map of Childs

About this map

The Archbold Biological Station anchors this Highlands County landscape, preserving a significant portion of the Florida scrub ecosystem. This mid-century environment is defined by the Seaboard Coast Line railroad, which runs parallel to the eastern shore of Lake Placid. Small settlements and transit points like Childs, Bairs Den, and Hicoria follow this rail corridor, illustrating how transportation influenced early interior development. The topography transitions from the open waters of Lake Annie and Buck Lake in the west to the intricate drainages of Hickory Branch and Bay Swamp in the east. Notable for its ecological and local history, the map includes the ridge terrain of Parker Island and the specifically designated Childs Station, offering a clear view of the region's land use before late-century suburban expansion.