1967 Map of Dawson Springs SW

About this map

Pennyrile State Forest and the newly established Lake Beshear dominate this western Kentucky landscape where the borders of Caldwell, Christian, and Trigg counties meet. The 1967 revision captures a moment of transition from a rural farming and mining economy toward a recreational hub centered on Pennyrile Lake. In addition to the large reservoir, the map documents the extractive history of the area with scattered Gas Well and Oil Well sites tucked into the deep hollows like Bluff Hollow and Sheephole Hollow. Genealogists will find a wealth of local landmarks, including the Macedonia Ch and Pleasant Grove Ch, alongside family burial grounds such as Vanhooser Cem and Irvin Cem. The terrain is characterized by prominent ridges including Lisanby Ridge and Fowler Ridge, which provided the high ground for early settlements and rural schools before the expansion of the state forest and park systems.