1956 Map of Murdock NE

About this map

The Old Railroad Grade cuts a diagonal path across the southern landscape of this Florida region, marking a transition in the local timber or phosphate transit networks of the mid-20th century. This area, where the borders of Manatee, De Soto, and Sarasota counties meet, is defined by an intricate hydrology of wetlands and drainage. Numerous instances of a Flowing Well are scattered throughout the sections, indicating the importance of groundwater access for the remote cattle or agricultural operations of the era. Waterways such as Bud Slough, Wildcat Slough, and Buzzard Roost Branch drain the low-lying terrain, creating a complex natural mosaic. The placement of these wells and the remnants of the rail grade offer specific clues for researchers tracing the evolution of Florida's interior drainage and land use before more intensive modern development arrived.