1916 Map of Muscle Shoals

About this map

The Tennessee River dominates this landscape just before the construction of massive hydroelectric dams, revealing the natural rapids of Muscle Shoals and Little Muscle Shoals. In this era, navigation through the shoals was managed by a series of river improvements, including Lock No 6 and Lock No 9. Along the northern banks, the growing city of Florence and neighboring Sheffield serve as industrial and rail hubs, connected by the Louisville and Nashville and Southern railroads. Rural life across Lauderdale County is documented through numerous country schools like Mt Zion School and Bush Arbor School, while old river crossings such as Section Ford and Savannah Ford reflect a reliance on natural geography. Notable local landmarks like Bailey Springs and the post office at Big Cut Hines PO provide specific points of interest for genealogists and local historians.