1968 Map of Centerville

About this map

Centerville sits at the convergence of rugged Ozark drainages where the West Fork Black River and Middle Fork Black River meet to form the main stem of the Black River. This 1960s topographic record reveals a landscape defined by steep hollows and narrow valleys, such as Ellington Hollow and Harrison Valley, which dictated the pattern of local settlement and transport. Genealogists can locate family burial grounds including Rayfield Cem, Howell Cem, and Johnson Cem, often situated on elevated benches above the river flats. The mapping of Double Springs and Reeds Spring highlights the vital importance of karst water sources to the region's homesteads. Significant landmarks like Clarady Bluff and Low Gap Ridge provided natural navigation points within the sprawling Clark National Forest during this era.