Loading map...

1909 Map of Lake Providence

Name: 1909 Topographic Map of Lake Providence
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1909
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1909

About this map

Lake Providence and its distinctive oxbow dominate this Mississippi River landscape at the beginning of the twentieth century. The map illustrates a highly developed riverine economy where large estates like Belle Mead Plantation, Olivedell Plantation, and Desona Plantation line the fertile alluvial plains. The town of Lake Providence serves as the central hub, situated where The Chute meets the main Mississippi River channel near Stack Island.

Detailed cultural data shows a network of community centers defined by spiritual and educational landmarks, including the Evergreen Church, Mt Lebanon Church, and the Watersheta School. Transportation is anchored by the St Louis Iron Mountain and Southern railroad, which cuts through the bottomlands. Unique local features such as the Indian Mounds and the complex drainage of Tensas Bayou and Black Bayou highlight the intersection of ancient topography and modern agricultural settlement.