1972 Map of Lake Cheatham

About this map

The Arkansas River and Mississippi River converge in this 1970s landscape, where a complex network of bayous, sloughs, and oxbow lakes defines the Arkansas delta. The map details the aquatic geography of Big Island and Wells Point, illustrating how the rivers have shaped the land with features like Dead Lake and the serpentine Piling Brake. Land use is closely tied to these waters, with engineering works such as the Levee and various drainage systems including Canal No 67 and Canal No 66 attempting to manage the seasonal flow. Small landmarks like St Marys Ch and Wargo Landing provide evidence of local navigation and community focal points near the water's edge. This environment, captured before further modern alterations, shows a hybrid of natural riverine processes and agricultural reclamation efforts through sloughs like Hogpen Slough and Horsehead Slough.