2019 Map of Melvine

About this map

Sequatchie Valley settlement patterns are clearly defined by the steep topography of the Cumberland Plateau to the west and Walden Ridge to the east. The Sequatchie River meanders through this corridor, supporting small rural clusters like Melvine, Litton, and Ninemile. These communities are anchored by numerous family burial grounds such as Hamilton Cem and Swafford Chapel Cem, which reflect the generations of residents who farmed the fertile valley floor. The geography is characterized by dramatic elevation shifts, where the Cumberland Escarpment drops sharply toward the valley. Local landmarks such as Worthington Cave and the gap at Big Spring highlight the karst and spring-fed hydrology of the region, while the transition from the valley to the high ridges is marked by prominent points like Worthington Knob and Clayton Knob.