And the Bizarre Map Challenge Winner Is...

The Alligator Bayou! Despite the fact that I didn't vote for it and despite the confusing legend (high and low what?) and drab color scheme, this map, showing the distribution of French colonial long lots won first prize - $5000. Long lots are narrow lots that extend in a perpendicular direction from the waterfront. This is a distinctive French settlement pattern.
Congratulations to Christopher Brown from the University of Alabama.

For the second and third prize winners check the challenge's online award list. There are also some honorable mentions at the bottom of the page that are worth a look.