1955 Map of Dover

About this map

Strip mines and specialized agriculture dominate this central Florida landscape, where the Seaboard Coast Line railroad dictates the placement of rural hubs like Dover and Durant. The map documents a significant industrial footprint in the south and east, contrasted with the intensive cultivation indicated by numerous Fish Hatchery sites clustered near the northern border. Cultural life is anchored by a dense network of country institutions, including Turkey Creek School and Jones Chapel, reflecting the area's established farming communities. The terrain transitions toward the Alafia River in the south, while the Valrico Lookout Tower stands as a notable landmark overlooking the intersection of citrus groves, phosphate excavations, and small settlements like Sydney and Bloomingdale. This 1972 photo-revision provides a precise view of the changing land use patterns as post-war development began to overlay the traditional agricultural and mining economy.