1952 Map of Fowlkes

About this map

The South Fork Forked Deer River and its meandering tributaries dominate this mid-century West Tennessee landscape, winding through a complex network of levees and low-lying wetlands. The high ground between the river forks is dotted with rural centers like Double Bridges and Fowlkes, where the Illinois Central railroad corridor serves as the primary industrial axis for the region. A notable feature of the era is the expansive U S Military Reservation (Inactive Air Base) situated just north of Halls, signifying the lingering footprint of wartime military infrastructure in rural Dyer and Lauderdale counties. Genealogists will find a high density of family-named landmarks and institutions, including Williams Chapel, Benton Sch, and the Butterworth Cem. The map provides a detailed view of these rural communities as they transitioned from river-dependent settlements to more road-connected agricultural hubs.