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1954 Map of Harlan

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Harlan
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Harlan and the surrounding coal-country settlements define this mid-century portrait of the Kentucky highlands. The landscape is dominated by the steep ridges of Black Mountain and Little Black Mountain, where narrow valley floors are packed with industry and community. The Louisville and Nashville railroad tracks follow the winding paths of the Cumberland River, Clover Fork, and Poor Fork, connecting established mining towns like Brookside, Coxton, and Kitts.

Evidence of the local economy and social life is abundant, from the Harlan Gas works to the Drive-in Theatre and Memorial Hospital. Many locations show dual identities through their post offices and rail stations, such as Grays Knob (Wilsonberger Sta) and Mary Helen (Coalgood PO). This survey captures the dense development along Martins Fork, where hamlets like Sunshine, Dressen, and Bardo are tucked between Ewing Spur and Catron Spur.