1978 Map of Bearden

About this map

Beaver Ridge and Blackoak Ridge dictate the geography of West Knoxville in the late 1970s, a period of rapid suburban expansion along the Kingston Pike corridor. This era captures the transition of formerly rural communities like Karns and Byington into residential hubs, evidenced by the development of West Town Mall and numerous subdivisions like West Hills and Suburban Hills. Genealogists will find a wealth of burial grounds preserved amidst the growth, including the Beeler, Jones, and the uniquely named Happy Home Cem. The map illustrates the region's transport evolution, showing the Interstate 40 and Pellissippi Parkway intersecting the historic Southern Railway lines. Institutional landmarks such as Bearden High School and Park West Hospital provide clear reference points for the area's mid-century infrastructure, while the southern edge follows the bends of the Tennessee River at Fort Loudoun Lake.