1947 Map of Alto

About this map

The Elk River meanders through the heart of this post-war landscape, marking the transition between the valley floor and the towering Cumberland Escarpment to the east. This 1947 field examination captures a network of small agricultural communities like Pelham, Alto, and Prairie Plains before modern development altered their rural character. The map is particularly rich in genealogical data, noting dozens of family-named cemeteries such as Cash Cem, Wileman Cem, and Ooley Cem. Transportation patterns are anchored by the Dixie Highway, while historical river crossings like Rutledge Ford and the Dabbs Ford Bridge illustrate how locals navigated the river's winding path. Education and faith were clearly central to the area, evidenced by landmarks like the Thompson Hall School and Turner Chapel.