1956 Map of Royal Palm Ranger Station SE

About this map

Everglades National Park dominates this mid-century topographic study, showcasing the intricate hydrology of the southern Florida wetlands. Located south of Homestead, the landscape is defined by the transition from open sawgrass marsh to the distinct hammock of Paradise Key. The map reveals a wild, roadless expanse before the era of modern intensive water management, where elevation changes are measured in mere inches and vegetation patterns dictate the geography. The grid of section lines, such as R. 38 E. and T. 58 S., provides a necessary framework for navigation across a terrain otherwise devoid of permanent human structures or established settlements. This document captures the pristine state of the park as it was documented by the Geological Survey during the 1950s.