Loading map...

1946 Map of Mermentau

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Mermentau
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1946
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1946

About this map

The Mermentau River and its critical tributaries define this Cajun Prairie landscape in the mid-1940s, marking the convergence of the Bayou Nezpique, Bayou Des Cannes, and Bayou Plaquemine Brule. The settlement of Mermentau sits at a strategic bend in the river, where the Southern Pacific railroad crosses the water alongside Silverwood. The map captures an intricate system of water management essential to the local rice economy, shown through numerous Pump Houses, the Duson Canal, and extensive drainage ditches.

Local history is preserved in landmarks like the Quibodeau Cem near a ferry crossing and the Sand Mill on the bayou. Further east, the rail junction at Midland and the Midland line running south toward Morse illustrate the era's transport network. The surveying by the U. S. Geological Survey and the State of Louisiana Board of State Engineers highlights the parish boundary line dividing Acadia Parish and Jefferson Davis Parish.