1952 Map of Hahnville

About this map

The Mississippi River defines the northern arc of this St. Charles Parish landscape, where the riparian settlements of Hahnville, Taft, and Killona sit atop the natural levees. This mid-century view shows an economy transitioning from traditional riverbound commerce to industrial expansion, anchored by a large Oil Refinery near Good Hope and the developing Paradis Oil Field to the south. The complex hydrology of the region is evident in the massive Bonnet Carre Floodway and a dense network of drainage channels like the Eighty Arpent Canal and Vial Canal, which manage the low-lying wetlands. Beyond the riverfront, the map details established community life through landmarks such as Mt Airy Church, Paradis School, and the St Charles Cemetery. Multiple rail lines, including the Texas and Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Railroad, intersect the parish, connecting these Mississippi River communities to the broader Gulf Coast infrastructure.