1994 Map of Ward Basin

About this map

Blackwater Bay and the winding course of the Yellow River dominate this coastal Florida landscape, where water and military history intersect. The northern reach is defined by the U.S. Naval Reservation Santa Rosa Field and the Interchange 10 corridor, while the southern half is largely consumed by the sprawling Eglin Air Force Base. Between these zones, the Yellow River Marsh State Aquatic Preserve protects a complex network of wetlands and bayous including Rattlesnake Bayou and Skim Lake. Local history is anchored by family and community landmarks such as Welcome Cem, Hickory Hammock Cem, and the Old Lane Place. Along the river, historical access points like Faulks Ferry Landing and Broxson Landing point to the area's long-standing reliance on the waterway for transport and industry.