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1953 Map of North Of Gum Slough

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of North Of Gum Slough
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1993
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1993

About this map

The vast expanse of St Johns Marsh dominates this landscape along the Florida-Indian River County line, revealing the complex water management systems of the mid-20th century. Large sections of the terrain are partitioned by an extensive network of Levees, designed to control the inundation of the marsh and manage the waters of Blue Cypress Lake. This infrastructure supported agricultural industrialization, most notably evidenced by the presence of a Sugar Processing Plant situated near the north-central boundary.

Hydrological data was clearly a priority during this 1953 survey, as seen by the inclusion of a Gaging Sta and multiple Flowing Wells scattered across the eastern sections. Artificial topographical changes are noted by the presence of a Spoil Bank, likely resulting from drainage canal excavation. The map provides a distinct view of the transition from untamed Florida wetlands to a highly engineered environment optimized for sugar production and water control.