1952 Map of Durbin

About this map

The Florida East Coast Line cuts a sharp diagonal through the marshy lowlands of St. Johns County, defining the early 20th-century transport corridor of this coastal region. Small settlements like Durbin and Hilden are situated along this primary rail artery, which is accompanied by a telephone line and early road network. The landscape is dominated by an intricate drainage system including Durbin Creek, Sampson Creek, and Sweetwater Creek, which meander through expansive wetland features such as Big Island Swamp and Dry Swamp. To the east, the Tolomato River (Intracoastal Waterway) parallels the Atlantic coastline, serving as a critical maritime thoroughfare. This survey illustrates the geography before modern suburban expansion, highlighting localized landmarks like the Lookout Tower and Ragged Island that served as navigational points in a terrain largely defined by water and woods.