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1974 Map of Middlesboro North

Name: 1974 Topographic Map of Middlesboro North
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Pine Mountain and the Log Mountains dominate this 1970s landscape, where the coal industry and natural preservation exist side-by-side. The Cumberland River carves a winding path through the north, while the Louisville and Nashville railroad follows the water gaps to serve the region's heavy industry. This era shows extensive strip mine activity across the ridges, particularly around Rocky Face and the Log Mountains.

In contrast to the industrial footprint, the map details the established community life of the region through numerous country churches like Moss Chapel and Knuckle Ch, and schools such as Page Sch. Significant public lands are well-defined, including Kentucky Ridge State Forest and the northern reaches of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The presence of Cannon Creek Lake and the Laurel Cove Amphitheater underscores the area's development for both resource extraction and public recreation.