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1959 Map of Boone Dam

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Boone Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Boone Dam stands as the central engineering feat of this landscape, impounding the waters of the South Fork Holston River and the Watauga River to create the expansive reaches of Boone Lake and Watauga Lake. The 1950s era of infrastructure and recreation is evident in the development of Warriors Path State Park and the prominent Tri-City Airport (McKellar Field), while residential growth is captured in the Balter Bluff and Smith Shoals subdivisions.

Genealogists can trace family names through numerous rural landmarks, including the Bowery Cem, Lady Cem, and Gresham Cem. The map illustrates the transition from a traditional river-and-rail economy, represented by the Clinchfield railroad and Halls Mill Pond, to a modern landscape of leisure and utility. Named terrain features like Brittle Bluff and Shannon Knob provide a clear view of the complex topography within the Sullivan and Washington county boundary area.