1955 Map of Welsh

About this map

The Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge dominates the southern landscape of this 1950s survey, illustrating a vast network of marshes and levees defined by the Mermentau River and Lake Arthur. This era captures Southwest Louisiana's dual reliance on rice cultivation and petroleum extraction, with the Southern Pacific railroad connecting established towns like Welsh and Lacassine to the broader regional economy. Away from the rail lines, the map reveals smaller settlements such as Hayes and Bell City, along with numerous family landmarks including Broussard Cem and Foreman Cem. The intricate system of man-made waterways, such as the Chene Canal and Niblett Canal, highlights the significant engineering required to manage the wetlands for both transportation and irrigation. Several active energy sites, including the Bon Air Oil Field and the South Bell City Gas Field, appear alongside industrial points like the Illinois Plant, marking the mid-century industrialization of the prairie.