Loading map...

2020 Map of Mason Bend

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Mason Bend
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Forkland sits atop the higher ground between the Black Warrior and Tombigbee river systems, anchoring a landscape defined by dramatic river bends and expansive bottomlands. The serpentine path of the river carves out distinct landforms like Erie Bend and Mason Bend, where steep embankments such as McAlpines Bluff and Wolf Bluff overlook the water. This terrain is characterized by a complex network of wetlands and sloughs, including the vast Dollarhide Swamp and Harkum Slough, which dominate the northern and central sections of the quadrangle.

Genealogists and local historians will find several distinct historical pockets, most notably the numerous "Quarters" settlements such as Walden Quarters, Jackson Quarters, and Gilmore Quarters. These named clusters, alongside cemeteries like Erie Cem and Creehill Cem, offer a clear view of the area's social geography. The landscape is further marked by legacy crossing points like McAlpin Ferry Rd, tracing the movement of residents through the fertile river valleys of Greene and Hale counties.