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1984 Map of Fortune Bend

Name: 1984 Topographic Map of Fortune Bend
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

The Morris Sheppard Dam anchors this mid-1980s landscape, holding back the massive expanse of Possum Kingdom Lake as it winds through the Palo Pinto hills. The map highlights the serpentine path of the Brazos River south of the dam, where it carves deep, dramatic loops known as Fortune Bend and Flint Bend. This area represents a rugged intersection of hydraulic engineering and natural topography, with dramatic landmarks like Hells Gate marking the entrance to southern lake coves.

Away from the water, the terrain rises sharply toward prominent peaks such as Schoolhouse Mountain and Crawford Mountain. Numerous named drainage features, including Pecan Hollow and Doan Hollow, illustrate the complex erosion patterns of the Texas canyon country. The map captures the region during a period of established recreation and water management, showing the intricate shoreline created by Gaines Bend and Frank Harris Bend.