2024 Map of Blackjack Island

About this map

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness dominate this detailed study of Ware County's interior wetlands. The landscape is defined by the intricate hydrology of the Okefenokee Swamp, where open water bodies like Blackjack Lake are interspersed with distinct island elevations and grassy prairies. These named landforms, such as Blackjack Island and Sandy Island, provided essential high ground for early travelers and hunters navigating the dense swamp environment. The mapping reveals a complex mosaic of marsh and solid ground, illustrating the natural barriers that have historically shaped local movement and preservation efforts in southern Georgia. Researchers can trace the boundaries of these ecosystems, from the expanse of Honey Island Prairie to the isolated reach of Mitchell Island at the southeastern edge of the sheet.