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1984 Map of Sour Lake

Name: 1984 Topographic Map of Sour Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Sour Lake serves as the focal point of this Hardin County survey, highlighting the intersection of deep-rooted Texas oil industry and protected coastal plains. The southern portion of the map is dominated by a dense Oil Field and the adjacent settlement of Grayburg, illustrating the area's continued reliance on petroleum extraction. Northward, the landscape shifts into the conservation lands of the Big Thicket National Preserve, where Little Pine Island Bayou snakes through the terrain alongside numerous seasonal waterways like Yearling Tick Branch and Pignut Gully.

Regional topography is characterized by expansive open flats, including Jones Prairie and Pelt Prairie, which contrast with the intricate drainage network of the Big Thicket. Genealogists and local historians can trace the smaller footprint of Bud Crossing in the southwest or locate secluded landmarks such as The Sink and Bushy Lake. The map provides a clear record of mid-century infrastructure, including the extensive pipeline networks that connect the prairie's resources to the larger Texas economy.