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2013 Map of Handshoe

Name: 2013 Topographic Map of Handshoe
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2013
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2013

About this map

Yellow Mountain and Chestnut Mountain define the high elevations of this Knott County landscape, where winding hollows and creek beds dictate the placement of local settlements. Small communities such as Handshoe, Soft Shell, and Bolyn are linked by a complex network of roads that follow the branching drainage of the Middle Fork Quicksand Cr and Saltlick Cr. The mapping of family-named landmarks like Bolen Cem and Estill Smith Cem reflects the deep-rooted genealogical heritage of this part of the Cumberland Plateau.

Industrial and public infrastructure is noted by the presence of the Pembroke Coal Co Rd and the Signal Knob Lookout Tower, which overlooks the surrounding gaps and ridges. Local education and community hubs are visible through features like Ball Branch School Rd and Ratliff School Rd. From Shanty Hollow in the southwest to Larkslane in the southeast, the map documents a terrain where every branch and fork, such as Plummer Br and Fitch Br, serves as a primary geographic marker for the people living there.