Loading map...

1961 Map of Oberlin

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Oberlin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

Whisky Chitto Creek and the Calcasieu River dominate this Louisiana landscape, winding through a region where the traditional river-and-rail economy is supplemented by mid-century petroleum development. Small rural communities like Mittie and the Simmons Settlement are centers of local life, supported by numerous country congregations such as Cherry Grove Ch and Harmony Church. The presence of several private water bodies, including Jerry Wright Lake and Isaiah Wright Lake, suggests family-owned landholdings along the creek bottoms.

Industrial activity is centered on the Missouri Pacific railroad, which serves the parish seat of Oberlin and the neighboring community of Elder. This era of the 1960s sees a clear expansion of resource extraction, evidenced by the Oberlin Oil Field and Kinder Oil Field. Geographers will note the preservation of an Old Railroad Grade in the west, while genealogists can find established family landmarks like the Simmons Cem and Oakland Springs Cem.