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1909 Map of Madisonville

Name: 1909 Topographic Map of Madisonville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1927
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1927

About this map

Pond River winds through the heart of this Western Kentucky landscape, serving as a natural boundary between Hopkins, McLean, and Muhlenberg counties. During the early twentieth century, this region relied heavily on river crossings like Frostburg Ferry and Scott Ferry to connect rural farmsteads and small settlements. The area is characterized by a dense network of country schools and churches, including Old Salem Church and New Providence School, reflecting a deeply rooted community structure.

Rail transport also played a vital role in the local economy, with the Louisville and Nashville and St Louis and Nashville railroads traversing the terrain. Significant commercial and residential centers like Madisonville and Earlington are shown with their detailed street grids, while unique geological features like The Island and Harps Hill break up the undulating topography. Genealogists will find particular value in the named family landmarks and rural homesteads, such as Harps House and Philips Store, scattered along the river valley.