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1997 Map of Birmingham South

Name: 1997 Topographic Map of Birmingham South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2001
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2001

About this map

Elmwood Cemetery and the industrial suburbs of Birmingham occupy the northern hills of this landscape, where the iron-and-steel legacy of the region is written into the terrain. The topography is defined by the prominent ridge of Shades Mountain, which separates the urban expansion of Homewood and Mountain Brook from the valley development to the south. Evidence of the area's extractive history remains visible at the Spaulding Mine, while the Birmingham Southern RR indicates the heavy rail infrastructure required to move raw materials through the valleys.

Residential growth in the late 20th century is captured in the numerous estates and highlands, such as Edgemoor Estates and Buena Vista Highlands. Local community landmarks, including the Oxmoor Ch and the Rocky Ridge Mission, serve as anchors for established neighborhoods. The southern reaches follow the path of the Cahaba River, marking the transition into the residential corridors of the Jefferson and Shelby county line.