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1959 Map of Chelsea

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Chelsea
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Oak Mountain and Double Oak Mountain define this landscape, their long ridges running southwest to northeast and creating the distinct Cahaba Valley. This topography shaped the local settlement patterns of the late 1950s and early 1970s, as roads and rails like the Seaboard Coast Line followed the natural gaps between the heights. The area is dotted with small rural communities and family landmarks, including Simmsville Chapel, Pleasant Valley Ch, and New Hope.

Genealogists will find many established family burying grounds such as Bailey Cem and Allen Cem, while the rugged northwestern corner includes a portion of Oak Mountain State Park. The map also traces numerous waterways like Yellowleaf Creek and Peavine Creek that cut through the valleys. The presence of Watkins Gap and Shackleford Gap illustrates the limited crossing points that once dictated transit through these Alabama ridges.