1954 Map of Leatherwood

About this map

Leatherwood serves as a primary hub for this mid-century look at the Kentucky mountains, situated at the junction where the Louisville and Nashville railroad follows the winding path of Clover Fork. The map documents a rugged landscape defined by a dense network of mountain schools and small creeks, reflecting the localized settlement patterns of the 1950s. Educational outposts like Livingston Sch, Big Rock Sch, and Stratton Sch are scattered throughout the hollows, illustrating the community structure before modern consolidation. To the west, the community of Yeaddiss sits along the banks of Cutshin Creek, surrounded by family-named landmarks and geographic features such as Big Rock. The complex system of waterways, including Laurel Fork and Persimmon Fork, dictates the orientation of local roads like KY 699, which trace the narrow valley floors between steep ridgelines.