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1974 Map of Simpson South

Name: 1974 Topographic Map of Simpson South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

The Fort Polk Military Reservation dominates the southern half of this mid-1970s landscape, illustrating the significant military footprint in Vernon Parish. This area is characterized by military-specific infrastructure such as Armor Lake, Artillery Lake, and Infantry Lake, alongside observation points like the Range 31 Tower. North of the reservation boundary, the topography is defined by the winding course of the Calcasieu River and its numerous tributaries, including Mims Creek and Big Branch.

Genealogists will find a high density of rural burial sites and places of worship, such as Union Grove Ch and the associated Union Grove Cem. Traces of former transport networks are visible in the Old Railroad Grade that cuts through the center of the sheet, while small settlements like Simpson, Mayo, and Hicks serve as the primary community hubs. The transition from the established agrarian patterns near Glass Window Cem to the active military training grounds reflects the evolving land use of the mid-20th century.