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1962 Map of Center Hill Dam

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Center Hill Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

The Center Hill Reservoir dominates this landscape, where the rising waters of the Caney Fork transformed the steep hollows of DeKalb and Smith counties following the completion of the Center Hill Dam. The geography shows a transition from traditional upland settlements to a new economy based on recreation and water management, evidenced by the presence of the Atnip Bluff Cabin Colony, Cove Hollow Dock, and Floating Mill Park.

Genealogists will find a high density of family-named landmarks and cemeteries preserved on the heights above the inundation line, such as Braswell Cem, Lafever Cem, and Taylor Cem. Inland from the lake, the Tennessee Central railroad cuts through the northeastern corner near Tucker, while local social life is anchored by rural institutions like Buckner Chapel, Carter Chapel, and the Laurel Hill Sch. The map also delineates the U.S. Reservation Boundary, marking the federal footprint in this mid-century Tennessee river valley.