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1949 Map of Howe Valley

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Howe Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1952
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1952

About this map

The Howe Valley landscape in Kentucky’s Hardin County is defined by a dense network of small rural settlements and agricultural landmarks recorded during the late 1940s. The area is dotted with family-named features and local hubs like Miller Corners and Franklin Crossroads, while the Illinois Central railroad cuts through the southeast corner, connecting this rural interior to larger markets. Small country churches and schoolhouses serve as the primary social anchors for these communities, including Yates Chapel, Ridge Spring Ch, and the Richardson Sch.

Surface water and distinct topographic features influenced early land use, seen in the proximity of the Blueball Quarry to Blueball Hill. Scattered springs such as Pirtle Spr and Roaring Spr provided vital water sources for the homesteads located between the steep rises of Buzzard Cliff and Gross Hill. The map also captures several named cemeteries, such as Lewis Cem, which offer significant value for genealogists tracing local families in the region.