1953 Map of Lake Marian SW

About this map

Lake Kissimmee and the meandering headwaters of the Kissimmee River dominate this interior Florida landscape, recorded by the U.S. Corps of Engineers in the early 1950s. The terrain is defined by a network of drainage ways including Buttermilk Slough, Packingham Slough, and the curiously named Ice Cream Slough. This survey captures the region's hydrography and topography before significant modern alterations, showing the natural interaction between the river and the surrounding wetlands. Scattered throughout the grassy lowlands are distinct elevated areas known locally as hammocks, including Ute Hammock, Turkey Hammock, and Wildcat Hammock, which often served as key landmarks and habitable ground in the wet prairie. Large landforms like Brahma Island stand out within the lake, while a Pumping Station along the western shore indicates early efforts to manage the local water levels for agriculture or ranching.