1953 Map of Jellico West

About this map

Jellico serves as the primary hub at the Tennessee-Kentucky border in the early 1950s, anchoring a landscape shaped by coal extraction and a network of mountain settlements. The Southern Railroad follows the path of Elk Creek, connecting industrial sites like the Old Burnt Mine near Standard Hollow to regional markets. This era of development is evidenced by the numerous mountain hollows and ridges, such as Pine Mountain and Negro Mountain, which contain isolated communities and family landmarks. The presence of an Old Railroad Grade near Wooldridge suggests a shifting industrial footprint as older routes were surpassed. Rural life is well-documented through a high density of local institutions, including the Rodeheaver Ch, Stinking Creek Sch, and numerous family burial grounds like the Beard Cem and Hackler Cem, which provide essential clues for genealogical research in this mountain corridor.