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1968 Map of Rotan

Name: 1968 Topographic Map of Rotan
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

Bartholomew Bayou snakes across this Lincoln County landscape, defining the agricultural and social layout of the region. The density of country churches and family-named schools reflects a deeply established rural community in the late 1960s. Landmarks like Thomas Chapel, Smyrna Ch, and the Wells Bayou School serve as anchors for the surrounding farmsteads. The infrastructure of water management is prominent throughout the terrain, featuring the Pinchback Reservoir, Holthoff Reservoir, and a series of flumes and brakes that supported the local economy.

Transport history is visible through the Missouri Pacific Railroad and sections of old railroad grade, which intersect with established settlements like Gould and Dumas. Notable cultural sites include the Indian Mounds near Avery Brake and Garrett Bridge crossing the bayou. The presence of multiple fish hatcheries and reservoirs like The Gourd highlights the transition from natural wetlands to managed water systems for the Arkansas Delta's irrigation and industry.