1945 Map of Dead Lake

About this map

Dead Lake dominates this mid-1940s landscape, serving as a central watery divide between Gulf, Calhoun, and Liberty Counties. The map reveals a complex wetland environment where the Apalachicola River and Florida River wind through the eastern reaches, connected by the Chipola Cutoff. On the western shore, the settlement of Chipola Park and the State Fish Hatchery mark the intersection of local industry and the natural environment. Genealogists can locate family landmarks such as Jehu Cem and small riverfront sites like Iola and Kentucky Ldg. This survey captures the region just before significant modern development, showing the winding paths of Stone Mill Creek and Sweetwater Creek as they feed into the swampy basin. The network of dirt roads, including Porter Landing Road, illustrates the rural connectivity required for timber and river trade during this era.