1955 Map of Latour

About this map

Helena and West Helena anchor this mid-century survey, positioned where the Helena Ridge meets the alluvial floor of the Mississippi River. The landscape reveals a complex network of flood control and river engineering, most notably the Hardin Cut-Off (1942) and various levees protecting the lowlands. Extensive genealogical detail is preserved through numerous rural congregations and burial grounds, such as New Zion Ch & Cem and Saunders Chapel Cem. Educational and social institutions are well-marked, including the Walters-Southland Institute and the Helena-West Helena Central High Sch. Transport patterns are defined by the Missouri Pacific railroad lines and several river landings like St Francis Island Ldg and Trotter Ldg, reflecting an era of transition for river-based commerce and inland rail transport.