Loading map...

1956 Map of Fort Pierce

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Fort Pierce
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Lake Okeechobee and the Indian River lagoon system anchor this mid-century survey of the Florida peninsula, showing a region defined by its vast water bodies and emerging Cold War infrastructure. The inland landscape is dominated by a chain of freshwater lakes, including the expansive Lake Istokpoga and Lake Kissimmee, alongside the sprawling Avon Park Bombing Range. Along the Atlantic coast, the presence of the Valkaria Missile Tracking Station (USAF) and Fellsmere Missile Tracking Station (USAF) reflects the era's aerospace expansion.

Transportation networks such as Florida's Turnpike and the Seaboard Coast Line railroad connect established citrus and cattle hubs like Sebring, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach. The map also captures the early preservation of Florida's unique ecosystems, with Highlands Hammock State Park and Jonathan Dickinson State Park guarding the interior and coastal hammocks against the decade's rapid development.