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1959 Map of Helena

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Helena
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The Cahaba River winds through a landscape of ridges and valleys during a period of transition in Shelby County. To the north, the growing community of Hoover sits atop Shades Mountain, while the southern reaches show the industrial and residential development of Alabaster and Pelham. This mid-century survey illustrates the importance of the Seaboard RR and U.S. Highway 31 as primary corridors for the area's growth.

Genealogists can identify several local landmarks such as Oldham Cem and Mars Hill Ch, alongside remnants of the region's extractive economy shown by multiple Strip Mines. The map also details early river crossings like Langston Ford and McNally Ford, which served travelers before modern infrastructure dominated. Natural features like Peavine Falls within Oak Mountain State Park provide a clear view of the area's protected terrain amidst the encroaching suburban footprint.