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1891 Map of Manchester

Name: 1891 Topographic Map of Manchester
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1934
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1934

About this map

Manchester and the South Fork Kentucky River anchor this late-19th-century survey of the Cumberland Plateau's intricate landscape. The map reveals a regional economy deeply tied to the land and its waterways, specifically highlighting the Salt Works south of the Clay County seat and a Saw Mill in the northern hills. At this time, the social and commercial life of the region centered on family-named general stores and small post offices located at creek forks, including Settle Store, Moore Store, and Brawer Store.

The topography is defined by a dense network of high ridges and deep hollows, noted by numerous named peaks such as Cradlebow Knob, Orchard Knob, and High Rock Mt.. These heights overlook a labyrinth of drainage systems including Goose Creek, Sexton Creek, and the Rockcastle River. This edition, though reprinted in the early 20th century, preserves the original 1880s surveying that documented the area before modern road networks replaced the reliance on these rugged mountain gaps and river valleys.