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1952 Map of Lake Wales

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Lake Wales
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

Iron Mountain dominates the central topography of this Florida landscape, rising above a network of citrus groves and deep freshwater lakes. The iconic Bok Tower stands as a primary landmark just north of Lake Wales, which is shown here in an era of mid-century growth. The city is defined by its relationship with water, nearly encircled by Lake Wales, Crystal Lake, and Lake Serena.

Transportation corridors of the Atlantic Coast Line and Seaboard Air Line railroads indicate the region's importance as a shipping hub for the surrounding agriculture. To the north, the smaller settlements of Waverly and North Lake Wales are established along the rail lines, while the massive Lake Pierce anchors the northeastern corner. This 1952 field survey provides a detailed look at the street grids of Lake Wales, locating civic essentials like the Polk Ave Sch and the High School, alongside industrial features like the Peace Creek Drainage Canal.