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1952 Map of Irvine

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Irvine
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The Kentucky River winds through the heart of Estill County, serving as the industrial and topographic anchor for the twin towns of Irvine and Ravenna. During the early 1950s, this area functioned as a vital hub for the Louisville and Nashville railroad, which parallels the river and supports the local coal and timber economy. The landscape is characterized by narrow valleys and prominent heights like Sweet Lick Knob and Henry Mtn, while the Daniel Boone National Forest dominates the eastern and southern ridges.

Local genealogy and social history are well-preserved through numerous rural landmarks. Dozens of family burial grounds, such as Marcum Cem and Sparks Cem, are scattered across the uplands, often near small community anchors like Chestnut Stand Sch or the Pitts Mission Ch. Downstream, the presence of Lock and Dam No 12 and various Oil Wells indicate the active management of the river corridor for resource extraction and transport in this era.