1953 Map of Prichard

About this map

The Big Sandy River forms the central artery of this 1950s borderland, where the state line between Kentucky and West Virginia follows the water's edge. Along the western banks in Lawrence County, small communities like Buchanan and Zelda are positioned along the dual rail corridors of the Norfolk and Western and the Chesapeake and Ohio. The terrain is characterized by steep ridges and narrow valleys drained by numerous branches, including Roe Branch and Mill Branch, which feed into the main river or Blaine Creek. Local social and family history is anchored by landmarks such as Buchanan Chapel, Mayo Chapel, and the Kinner Cem. Infrastructure of the mid-century river economy is evident through features like Lock No 2 and a Gaging Sta, reflecting the importance of water management and navigation in this region where the hills of Appalachia meet the river valley.