1948 Map of Helena

About this map

Mississippi River and its major tributaries, including the White River and St Francis River, dominate this mid-century landscape across the Arkansas Delta and into Mississippi. The mapping reflects a complex hydrological network defined by numerous bayous and oxbow lakes, such as Swan Lake and Alligator Lake, alongside modern water management infrastructure like the Sunshine Water Company Reservoir. Settled areas like Helena, Marianna, and Clarendon serve as regional hubs connected by the lines of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific and St Louis Southwestern railroads. Of particular interest to local historians is the documentation of Bemis Plantation and numerous small communities like Moro, Aubrey, and Dagmar during a period of transition for the river-and-rail economy. The map also captures the Arkabutla Reservoir and Arkansas Reservoir, illustrating the scale of post-war flood control and water storage efforts in the lower Mississippi valley.