1984 Map of Arizona Creek

About this map

Big Thicket National Preserve occupies a significant portion of this landscape, marking a transition between the dense hardwood forests and the water-heavy terrain of the Texas Gulf Coast. The map records the meandering courses of Arizona Creek and Pine Island Bayou as they define the boundary between Hardin and Liberty counties. This environment is characterized by an intricate network of waterways, including Black Land Slough, Mayhaw Slough, and Tanner Bayou, which illustrate the complex drainage patterns of the region. Human presence is concentrated near the settlement of Batiste, while the wider terrain shows scattered oil wells, reflecting the local intersection of conservation efforts and energy extraction during the mid-1970s and early 1980s. The dense forest canopy and swampy bottoms remain relatively undeveloped, preserving the character of the Big Thicket.