1954 Map of Bledsoe

About this map

Pine Mountain dominates the center of this 1950s terrain, forming a steep ridge that separates the waters of Greasy Creek to the north from the Cumberland River valley to the south. Along the southern slopes, the Louisville and Nashville railroad follows the river through Rosspoint and Gatun, serving the coal-producing region. This map illustrates a landscape of scattered community centers, with numerous small schools and churches like Green Hill Sch and Abner Branch Chapel serving residents in the hollows and along the ridges. The presence of the Kentenia State Forest highlights the managed timberlands of the era, while the Harlan Airport near Rhea shows the mid-century infrastructure supporting this part of Harlan County. For genealogists, the map is particularly detailed, locating family-named landmarks and several burying grounds including Hull Cem and Wilder Cem.