1962 Map of Convent

About this map

The Mississippi River defines the landscape of this St. James Parish survey, where the river's winding path dictates the layout of the historic long-lot plantation system. Large agricultural holdings like Oak Alley Plantation and the Uncle Sam Plantation stretch back from the levees, intersected by the Illinois Central and the Texas and Pacific railroads. The map reveals evidence of the river's volatile history through labels for the Nita Crevasse and Belmont Crevasse, scars from historical levee breaches. The community of Convent serves as a central hub, surrounded by smaller settlements like Romeville, Welcome, and College Point. Cultural landmarks are densely clustered along the riverfront, including the St Michael Cem, St James Ch, and an Indian Mound, providing a clear view of the area's deep-rooted French and Acadian heritage during the early 1960s.