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1942 Map of Ausmus

Name: 1942 Topographic Map of Ausmus
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1942
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1942

About this map

Cumberland Mountain looms over this early 1940s landscape, where the rising waters of the Norris Reservoir had recently transformed the valley of the Powell River. The map documents a rural society in transition as the Tennessee Valley Authority's work reshaped the terrain, leaving landmarks like Wilson Bend and Leadmine Bend prominent along the new shoreline. Local life is anchored by family-named sites and small community centers such as Speedwell and Yoakum Crossroad.

Genealogists will find a wealth of specific data in the numerous small burial grounds and rural institutions scattered across the ridges, from the Ausmus Cem and Russell Cem to the Leatherwood Sch and Pleasant Hill Ch. The presence of Russell Mill on Davis Creek and various ferry-style landings like Stiner Dock underscores the river-centric economy of Claiborne Co and Union Co during this era of significant hydroelectric development.