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1955 Map of Tarpon Springs

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Tarpon Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Tarpon Springs and the surrounding Nature Coast are defined by a complex labyrinth of freshwater springs and tidal estuaries. This mid-century survey illustrates the intricate drainage systems of the Withlacoochee River and the sprawling Lake Tsala Apopka basin, which historically dictated the settlement patterns of towns like Inverness and Floral City. The transition from the Gulf of Mexico's bathymetry, featuring the St Martins Keys and Anclote Keys, to the interior pinelands shows a landscape in balance between conservation and growth.

Large protected areas like the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge and Withlacoochee State Forest contrast with the emerging residential and educational hubs of the era, such as Saint Leo College. This edition captures the regional transport network when the Seaboard Air Line RR and Atlantic Coast Line RR were still primary arteries for the citrus and timber industries, connecting smaller inland communities like Bushnell and Istachatta to the coastal ports.