1954 Map of Stokes Ferry

About this map

Stokes Ferry sits at a strategic crossing of the Withlacoochee River, marking a landscape where river navigation and swampy wetlands define the boundaries between Citrus, Marion, and Sumter Counties. In the mid-1950s, the community of Hernando anchored the southwestern edge of this survey, bordered by the expansive waters of Lake Tsala Apopka. The map reveals a mixture of natural water systems and early human intervention, including a Fish Hatchery and several Mines located near the town center. Local landmarks like Gilchrist Island and Briggs Island are visible within the complex lake system, while Point Lonesome and The Pocket suggest the isolation of the surrounding terrain. This era of Florida's interior shows the growth of seasonal infrastructure, such as a Trailer Park and Golf Course, as well as the established presence of a Gaging Station monitoring the river’s flow through Gum Swamp.