1954 Map of Dalton

About this map

The Tradewater River carves a highly sinuous path through this rural landscape at the intersection of Caldwell, Webster, and Hopkins counties. The winding river valley is defined by numerous river crossings and riparian landmarks such as Tayloe Bend, Tom Gray Ford, and the Montgomery Bridge. To the northeast, the Illinois Central railroad cuts through the terrain near Stony Point Ridge, supporting local industrial activity evidenced by the Hark and Hart Mine and various tipples. Small rural communities and church-centered settlements like Dalton, Poe, and Kirkwood Springs anchor the social geography of the era. The land is characterized by a dense network of ridges including Hickory Ridge and Poplar Ridge, while numerous small family and community burial grounds like Eaker Cem and Trailer Cem are scattered across the hillsides, offering significant detail for genealogical research.