2024 Map of Gourd

About this map

Bayou Bartholomew dictates the geography of this Arkansas landscape, winding through the intersections of Lincoln, Desha, and Drew counties. This environment is defined by its oxbow lakes and backwater brakes, including Arrington Brake, Campbells Brake, and Fletcher Brake. These stagnant water bodies, alongside Wells Bayou and Choctaw Bayou, mark the ancient path of the river system as it meanders across the flat alluvial plain. The settlement of Gourd sits at a prominent bend known as The Gourd, where local heritage is preserved in sites like the Gourd Cem. The map reveals a deeply rooted rural community, traced through numerous small burial grounds and churches such as Saint Paul Church Cem, Serene Church Cem, and Morning Star Cem, many located at the termini of quiet rural routes like Nevada Rd and Co RD 412.