1905 Map of Harrodsburg

About this map

The meandering Kentucky River and its deep palisades define the geography of the Bluegrass region at the dawn of the twentieth century. This survey documents a transition in river navigation and commerce, visible in the system of locks and ferries such as Lock No 7 and the McCowan Ferry that still served as vital crossings. The rugged river corridor is punctuated by engineering landmarks like Highbridge, while the surrounding plateaus are dominated by established agricultural settlements and rail hubs. Local history and genealogy interest is particularly strong around Camp Nelson and Camp Dick Robinson, sites with deep significance in the region's development. The network of the Southern and the Cincinnati New Orleans and Texas Pacific railroads illustrates the importance of transportation in connecting towns like Nicholasville and Wilmore to the wider national economy.