1966 Map of Emeralda Island

About this map

Emeralda Island and the surrounding wetlands of Central Florida are defined by the winding course of the Oklawaha River and the expansive waters of Lake Griffin and Lake Yale. This mid-century landscape is a patchwork of conservation land and small-scale development, where the Ocala National Forest meets localized hubs like Starkes Ferry and Lisbon. The map documents a period of transition, with agricultural hammocks like Bull Hammock and Bell Hammock existing alongside newer infrastructure such as a Landing Strip and Big Trees Campsites. Several named islands, including Big Pine Island and Bird Island, break the surface of the marshy terrain, illustrating the intricate hydrology of the Emeralda Marsh area. Further south, Haines Creek links the major lake systems, supported by various pumping stations that highlight the region's managed water levels.