1974 Map of Collins

About this map

The Illinois Central Gulf railroad cuts a diagonal line through the heart of Covington County, anchoring the commercial and social geography of Collins and the nearby settlement of Ora in the mid-1970s. This survey reveals a landscape where the riverine network of Okatoma Creek and Shelby Creek dictates the placement of early rural landmarks. Local genealogy is well-documented through numerous small congregations and burial sites, including Spring Hill Ch, Jones Chapel, and the Mt Zion Ch (Cem). Industrial activity is represented by various Gravel Pits and a modern Tank Farm near the railway, reflecting the area's transition toward post-war utility and infrastructure. Further notable details include the Covington Lookout Tower and the small residential footprint at Kola, providing a clear record of South Mississippi's rural development before modern expansion.