1966 Map of Leesburg West

About this map

The central Florida wetlands and citrus-belt settlements of Leesburg and Fruitland Park are intricately documented during a period of mid-century growth. This 1966 survey, with photorevisions in 1980, reveals a landscape defined by its complex hydrology, where Lake Harris, Lake Griffin, and Lake Denham are connected by waterways like the Dead River and Helena Run. The map provides significant detail for local researchers, capturing the transition from agricultural roots—indicated by numerous claypits and rail-dependent hamlets like Bamboo and Whitney—to modern infrastructure. Significant landmarks such as Johnson Jr College, the Flying Baron Airport, and the Drive-in Theater appear alongside long-standing community centers like Shiloh Cemetery and the Mt Olive Church. The intricate network of the Seaboard Coast Line railroad and the expansion of Florida's Turnpike illustrate the area's increasing connectivity between the coastal regions and the interior.