Loading map...

1951 Map of Cranston

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Cranston
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Cumberland National Forest dominates this 1951 topographic study of the Rowan County landscape, revealing a dense network of mountain hollows and ridge-top lookouts like Hickory Flats Lookout. The terrain is characterized by winding drainages and narrow valley floors where small farming communities and educational centers took root. Local genealogy is well-preserved through numerous named burial grounds and rural institutions, including McRoberts Cem, Whisman Cem, and the Adams-Davis Sch.

Settlement patterns follow the water, with Cranston and Waltz serving as focal points along the valley roads. The map highlights the spiritual and social infrastructure of the mid-century, noting locations like the Pine Grove Mission and Sardis Ch. These details provide a clear view of eastern Kentucky before significant modern consolidation, documenting family-named landmarks such as Anna Ham Branch and Emory Branch that define the local geography.