1954 Map of Nevelsville

About this map

The South Fork Cumberland River carves a winding path through the Cumberland National Forest in this mid-century topographic survey of McCreary and Wayne counties. The landscape is defined by the sharp descent from high ridges like Cotton Patch Ridge and Sellers Ridge to the river floor, where the water is marked as subject to controlled inundation to 760 feet. Local genealogy and community life are well-documented through scattered rural settlements such as Nevelsville and Jonesville, and landmarks like Green Grove Ch and the Lower Turkey Creek Sch. The terrain is famously steep, dotted with geological curiosities including the Natural Arch, Eureka Cave, and numerous riverfront cliffs like Hens Nest Cliff and Pound Cliff. This era shows the region before major modern developments, preserving the original locations of family sites like the Keith Cem Nevel and Jonesville Cem.