1952 Map of Lake City

About this map

Lake City and its surrounding coal-country communities are documented here during the early 1950s, a period where the local economy was anchored by the Southern and Louisville and Nashville railroads. The map highlights the intense settlement patterns of the Cumberland Plateau, where towns like Briceville and Fraterville follow the narrow creek valleys. A notable concentration of community landmarks, such as Miners Circle Cemetery and Rush Strong School, reflects the deep-rooted local history of this region. The terrain is dominated by the steep ridges of Walden Ridge and Vowell Mountain, with the impounded waters of Norris Lake appearing in the northeast. Numerous small churches, including Pine Hill Church and Mountain View Church, are scattered throughout the hollows, marking the social centers of these mining and timbering towns.