1954 Map of Barthell

About this map

Cumberland National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape, where the South Fork Cumberland River carves a deep, winding path through the plateau. This era shows a network of coal mining and timber communities connected by the Kentucky and Tennessee RR, including Barthell, Blue Heron, and Worley. The terrain is characterized by sharp ridges like Rattlesnake Ridge and Coon Patch Ridge, punctuated by family-named landmarks and essential rural institutions. Genealogists can find numerous burial grounds such as Chitwood Cem and Nancy Grave Cem, alongside scattered schools like Cherokee Sch and Mountain View Sch. The settlement pattern follows the narrow valley floors and ridge lines, reflecting the industrial rail-and-river economy before many of these small coal towns transitioned away from active production.