2020 Map of Billys Island

About this map

Billys Island stands as a significant interior upland within the sprawling Okefenokee Swamp, marking a region defined by its isolated hammocks and complex hydrological network. This 2020 survey details the intersection of Ware and Charlton counties, where the Suwannee River begins its course through several distinct branches, including the Middle Fork Suwannee River and East Fork Suwannee River. The map reveals the unique ecological landscape of the swamp, alternating between open waters like Billys Lake and expansive marshy areas such as Chase Prairie and Floyds Island Prairie. Human presence in this environment is represented by the isolated Lee Cem, while the Suwannee Canal serves as a reminder of early attempts to manage and traverse this water-dominated terrain. Distinct landforms like Honey Island and Bugaboo Island provide critical context for understanding the internal geography of one of Georgia's most famous natural landmarks.