1952 Map of Compass Lake

About this map

The Atlanta and St Andrews Bay railroad anchors the eastern corridor of this Florida panhandle landscape, tracing a path through the settlement of Compass Lake and down toward Betts. This 1952 topographic study highlights a region defined by its complex hydrology, where the Econfina River and Sweetwater Creek wind through the interior, fed by numerous branches like Sewell Branch and Branning Branch. The map captures a transition in land use, showing an Airfield south of Betts and a Lookout Tower positioned near the northern shore of the lake. Local landmarks such as Sandy Mount Ch provide focal points for community history, while the convergence of Washington, Bay, Jackson, and Calhoun counties illustrates the complex administrative boundaries of the area. Significant wetland features like Cypress Swamp and Turtle Pond dominate the undeveloped sections, providing a clear record of the natural terrain before modern expansion.