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1959 Map of Birmingham South

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Birmingham South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1991
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1991

About this map

Red Mountain and Shades Mountain define the topography of this industrial and residential landscape during a period of significant mid-century expansion. The transition from heavy industry to suburban development is visible as neighborhoods like Hollywood and English Village sit adjacent to established mining areas such as Ishkooda and Spaulding. The prominent Vulcan Statue overlooks the valley, marking the city's iron heritage, while the campus of Howard College anchors the growing community of Homewood.

Transport networks including the Louisville and Nashville Railroad and the Southern Railroad cut through the terrain, connecting the urban core to outlying settlements. In the southern portion of the map, the landscape becomes less dense, following the Cahaba River and Little Shades Creek. Genealogists will find numerous landmarks of interest, from the sprawling grounds of Elmwood Cemetery to local congregations like Rocky Ridge Ch and Chapel Hill.