1950 Map of Gibsland

About this map

The Illinois Central railroad corridor anchors this mid-century landscape, linking the hubs of Gibsland and Ada. This survey details a dense network of rural community centers, particularly the numerous country churches and schools that served the dispersed population across Bienville, Claiborne, and Webster Parishes. The transition from older settlements like Old Athens to the then-active Athens Gas Field illustrates the shift from strictly agrarian life to the burgeoning energy economy of the late 1940s. Moving through the center of the map, Black Lake Bayou and Leatherman Creek define the low-lying terrain, while Rocky Ridge provides a prominent high point to the north. Genealogists will find significant value in the documentation of family-named landmarks and cemeteries, including Martin Cem, Miller Cem, and Germantown Cem, along with specialized rural sites like the Airway Beacon and the Athens Lookout Tower.