1946 Map of Owens Bridge

About this map

Apalachicola National Forest dominates this mid-1940s survey, revealing a landscape defined by expansive wetlands and the winding course of the New River. The map documents the intricate drainage network of the Florida Panhandle, where numerous tributaries like Cat Branch and Nero Branch feed into the river system. This era reflects a transition where infrastructure like the Tate Fire Tower was essential for forest management and monitoring. Small pockets of human settlement are scattered throughout the dense forest, notably at Morgan Place and Twin Pole. The namesake Owens Bridge provides a vital crossing over the river, serving as a primary corridor through the Islands of the swampy interior. This sheet captures the region just as modern forestry and land management began to shape the wilder reaches of the Liberty and Franklin county lines.