1952 Map of Hales Point

About this map

The Mississippi River creates a dynamic western boundary for Tennessee in this mid-century survey, highlighted by the Needham Cut-Off which altered the river's course over a century prior. The landscape of Lauderdale County and Dyer County is defined by an intricate network of waterways including the Obion River, Forked Deer River, and numerous oxbows like Open Lake and Chisholm Lake. Local life is anchored by family and community institutions, often pairing education and faith at sites like Henning Grove Church and School and Cane Ridge Church and School. Numerous landings such as Hickman Ldg and Wrights Point Ldg underscore the importance of river access, while inland settlements like Ripley and Arp serve as agricultural hubs connected by early drainage infrastructure like Ditch No 1.