Loading map...

2024 Map of Ballplay

Name: 2024 Topographic Map of Ballplay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2024
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2024

About this map

The Coosa River meanders through the landscape of northeastern Alabama, creating dramatic oxbows at Ballplay Bend, Coats Bend, and Pollard Bend. This river-defined geography historically dictated the location of vital crossings such as Baskin Ferry and Wood Ferry, connecting rural agricultural communities along its banks. To the northwest, the prominent rise of Shinbone Ridge overlooks a series of managed waters including the Thornton Lake chain, specifically Thornton Number 1 Lake through Thornton Number 6 Lake.

Genealogists will find a wealth of burial sites scattered across the countryside, from Smith Chapel Cem and Mount Tabor Cem in the east to the Mount Zion Cem near Hokes Bluff. The map also documents established local gathering points like Trinity Holiness Cem and Mayes Crossroad, reflecting the area's enduring rural settlement patterns. Transport routes often follow the old ferry roads, including Wagnon Ferry and Croft Ferry Rd, preserving the memory of the river-and-road economy that preceded modern highway networks.