1972 Map of Chance

About this map

The settlement of Chance serves as the focal point for this 1970s topographic study of Adair County, revealing a landscape defined by deeply cut hollows and the winding paths of Tyner Creek and Jaybird Creek. The map documents a rural Ozark community where life centers around landmarks like New Hope Ch and its adjacent New Hope Cem. The southern portion of the sheet captures the northern edge of Westville and the Christie area, illustrating the transition from wooded ridges to more open valley floors. The naming conventions throughout the region, from Gray Squirrel Hol to Peacheater Creek, suggest a history closely tied to the natural environment and local hunting or farming traditions. Researchers can trace the network of secondary roads, including Ballard, which connected these disparate farmsteads and creek-side communities before modern infrastructure shifts.