1955 Map of Welsh

About this map

Southern Pacific rail lines and extensive irrigation networks define this agricultural and industrial landscape where the coastal prairies meet the wetlands of the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. The map details the complex water management required for the region, showing a dense grid of Irrigation Canals and Spoil Banks alongside natural waterways like West Bayou Lacassine and East Bayou Lacassine. Local history is anchored by family-named landmarks such as Foreman Hill, Broussard Cem, and Lorrain Cem, reflecting generations of settlement near Welsh and Lacassine. Economic activity in the mid-20th century is evident through the proliferation of energy infrastructure, including the Lake Arthur Oil Field and the North Hayes Gas Field, which sit adjacent to specialized facilities like the Illinois Plant. The southern reaches transition into the marshy terrain of Willow Marsh and Goose Island, showcasing the transition toward the Mermentau River.