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1974 Map of Lake Nicol

Name: 1974 Topographic Map of Lake Nicol
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Black Warrior River dominates this mid-1970s landscape, illustrating the critical role of water management and energy production in Tuscaloosa County. The massive Holt Lock and Dam structure and its associated powerplant anchor the southern reaches, creating the reservoir known as Holt Lake. This waterway was a hub for industrial and recreational utility, evidenced by several public access points like the Rock Quarry Landing and the Old Lock 15. Inland, the terrain is marked by numerous strip mines, showing the extensive extractive industry active in the area at this time.

Community life is preserved through several rural landmarks, including Center Church and its adjacent cemetery, and Piney Grove Church near Meetinghouse Branch. In the northwest, the Tuscaloosa corporate boundary edges toward the waters of Lake Tuscaloosa, while the smaller Lake Nicol provides a secluded water body feeding into Yellow Creek. These features together show a region balancing heavy industry with public recreation and long-standing community centers.