1913 Map of Buckhorn

About this map

Witherspoon College stands as a notable center of learning within this 1911 survey of the Kentucky mountains, situated near the winding Middle Fork Kentucky River. The landscape is defined by the complex drainage patterns of Troublesome Creek and Buck Creek, where small settlements like Crockettsville and Buckhorn served as focal points for rural life. The presence of the Breathitt Ferry near the boundary line of Breathitt and Perry counties highlights the importance of river crossings before modern bridge infrastructure dominated the region. Numerous schools, including Wilder School and Otter Creek School, are scattered across the narrow valleys, illustrating the decentralized nature of early 20th-century mountain education. Distinctive terrain features such as Nailors Rock, Elkbutt Knob, and the Fishtrap Shoals provide a grounded look at the landmarks used by local inhabitants to navigate this intricate river-and-ridge topography.