1946 Map of Brayton

About this map

Walden Ridge dominates this mid-century survey, where the dramatic elevation change of the Cumberland Escarpment defines the settlement patterns of Bledsoe County. The landscape is deeply incised by the McGill Gulf, a complex of steep ravines and hollows including Rattlesnake Hollow and Polecat Hollow. Small communities like Brayton and Hendon are situated near the ridges and gaps, serving as focal points for rural life. Genealogists and local historians can find specific landmarks such as the Hendon Cem, Brayton Church, and family-named locations like Smithtown and Hickory Grove. The placement of the Lookout Tower near the escarpment edge highlights the strategic vantage points used for forest management during this era, while features like Hart Springs and Boiling Spring indicate the importance of natural water sources in this elevated terrain.