1948 Map of Moontown

About this map

Flint River valley life in the late 1940s is defined by the sharp transition between fertile bottomlands and the steep slopes of Keel Mountain and Drake Mountain. The Southern Railway and Lee Highway anchor the settlement at Gurley, while smaller communities like Moontown, Lickskillet, and Berkley are scattered along the foothills. The presence of the Wilson Reservation and the Cherokee Lands Boundary reflect the complex history of land tenure and displacement in this part of Madison County. Geologic and recreational interest is highlighted by Brazelton Cave and the eastern edge of Monte Sano State Park. This period shows a landscape of small rural schools like Big Cove School and Berkley Sch, alongside dozens of family burial grounds including Drake Cem and Brazelton Cem, illustrating the deep-rooted genealogical ties of the local population.