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1939 Map of Charleston

Name: 1939 Topographic Map of Charleston
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

Mississippi River flood control and heavy rail logistics define the landscape of the Bootheel in the late 1930s. Centered on Charleston, the map captures a period when the Missouri Pacific and St Louis Southwestern railroads were the primary arteries for commerce, connecting agricultural hubs like East Prairie and Anniston. The interior is dotted with a high density of rural schoolhouses, including uniquely named landmarks such as Pulltight Sch, Yellow Dog Sch, and Never Spur Sch.

The engineering of the river valley is evident along the eastern edge, where levee systems protect Buffalo Island and the complex bends of Day Tooth Bend. Numerous small family and community burial grounds, such as Maynard Cem and Calvary Cem, provide critical data for genealogical research. The presence of Gravel Ridge Ch & Sch and Sweet Home Ch further illustrates the tight-knit social structure of these Mississippi County settlements.