1959 Map of Hammond

About this map

Hammond and its surrounding parish lands are defined by the convergence of the Illinois Central Railroad and the meandering Tangipahoa River. In the late 1950s, this region serves as a hub for both education and agriculture, anchored by Southeastern La College and the Hammond Airport. The landscape north of the city is characterized by numerous small settlements like Independence and Tickfaw, which grew along the rail corridor. The map reveals an extensive network of country churches and family burial grounds, such as Baldwin Chapel and the Briar Patch Cem, illustrating the deep-rooted genealogical fabric of the area. Significant industrial activity is evident in the numerous Gravel Pits concentrated near Independence, while the eastern portion of the sheet is dominated by the extensive acreage of Zemurray Park, featuring Zemurray Lodge and Chappepeela Lake.