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2022 Map of Balkan

Name: 2022 Topographic Map of Balkan
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2022
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2022

About this map

Pine Mountain dominates the landscape of Bell County, where the Cumberland River carves its path through the coalfield country of eastern Kentucky. This 2022 survey documents a series of tight-knit communities like Kettle Island, Blackmont, and Balkan that follow the narrow valley floors. The mapping reflects a complex network of gaps and ridges, including family-named landmarks such as Blind John Taylor Gap and Lark Howard Gap.

Genealogists and local historians will find significant detail in the placement of numerous community burial grounds, including the Kettle Island Cem, Tacket Hill Cem, and Balkan Cem. The transit patterns are defined by the winding course of Stoney Fork and the modern footprint of Upland Church Rd and State Hwy 72, which connect these historically industrial settlements. The map also captures the border between Bell and Harlan counties near Cardinal, providing a precise look at modern property and municipal divisions in this mountain terrain.