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1955 Map of Welsh

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Welsh
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Welsh and its surrounding prairie landscapes dominate this mid-century survey, revealing a region defined by rice irrigation and the expanding petroleum industry. The Southern Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads anchor the northern settlements of Iowa, Lacassine, and Roanoke, while the southern reaches descend into the marshy complex of the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. This intersection of agriculture and conservation is marked by a vast network of man-made waterways, including the Indian Bayou Canal and the Niblett Canal, which support the local transition from the prairie to the coastal wetlands.

Industrial development is evident in the numerous resource sites, such as the Bon Air Oil Field and the South Thornwell Gas Field. Family history is preserved at the Broussard Cem and Lorrain Cem, while landmarks like the Illinois Plant and Refuge Headquarters suggest the dual economic roles of processing and preservation. From the banks of the Mermentau River to the shores of Lake Arthur, the map illustrates a landscape of ridges and "islands" such as Oak Island and Wildcat Ridge, providing solid ground amidst the southwestern Louisiana bayous.