1893 Map of London

About this map

The Rockcastle River snakes through a deeply dissected landscape where the borders of Rockcastle, Laurel, and Pulaski counties meet. This 1891 survey captures the region during a period of significant rail-driven growth, centered on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad corridor. The line serves as the primary artery for mountain commerce, linking established hubs like Mt Vernon and London with smaller rail-side outposts such as Mullin Sta, Withers, and Livingston. Away from the tracks, the terrain is defined by isolated knobs and ridges including Sutton Knob and Cash Knob. The map provides a look at the early settlement patterns of the Kentucky plateau, documenting numerous small communities like Broadhead, Gum Sulphur, and Altamont before modern highway development bypassed these traditional rural centers. The intricate network of creeks, such as Buck Creek and the Laurel River, reflects the rugged topography that shaped early transport and land use.