1972 Map of Lake Mary

About this map

The Ocala National Forest dominates this Central Florida landscape, where the meandering Oklawaha River defines the western boundary of a dense wetland ecosystem. Mapping conducted in the early 1970s reveals a region defined by its numerous isolated prairie basins, including Sellers Prairie, Indian Prairie, and Starks Prairie, which sit alongside a network of larger water bodies like Lake Mary and Doe Lake. The presence of a Cem and Claypit near Moss Bluff points to the localized industry and settlement patterns at the forest's edge. This area is characterized by unique geographic features such as Furtz Bear Hole and Greens Bear Hole, alongside organized recreational sites like Camp Oklawaha and the Big Scrub Camp. The map provides a distinct look at the transition between the river's floodplain and the pine-scrub interior before the surrounding counties saw significant modern expansion.