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1956 Map of Ruskin

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Ruskin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Ruskin serves as the central hub of this mid-1950s coastal survey, where the town's grid meets the tidal complexities of Tampa Bay. The landscape is defined by the winding course of the Little Manatee River and its numerous branches, including Mill Bayou, Hayes Bayou, and Bolster Bayou. To the west, a labyrinth of mangrove-lined islands like Goat Island, Negro Island, and Snake Island separate the mainland from the open bay waters.

Transportation and small-town infrastructure are clearly visible through the path of the Atlantic Coast Line railroad, which links the settlements of Sun City and Gulf City to the north. Social markers of the era include the Sun Sch and an Open-air Theater located just south of the Ruskin town center. The presence of the Ruskin Cem and numerous named creeks like Cockroach Creek and Curiosity Creek provides critical detail for researchers tracing the early development of this portion of Hillsborough County.