1959 Map of Gum Lake

About this map

The Green Swamp dominates this landscape, showing a complex hydrological network of wetlands and isolated basins north of Haines City. Large water bodies like Lake Lowery, Gum Lake, and Bonnet Lake define the southern half of the quadrangle, while smaller features such as Tangerine Lake and Bay Lake are tucked into the marshy terrain. The area reflects mid-century utility and communication infrastructure, evidenced by a large pipeline cutting across the swamp and the Radio Towers (WGT O) near the lakes. Small residential developments like Holiday Manor and the northern edge of Haines City show the early stages of settlement expansion into the Polk County interior. Local transportation is represented by a private Landing Strip near the shores of Lake St Charles, pointing to the region's reliance on air and road access before modern highway saturation.