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1954 Map of Providence

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Providence
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

The industrial coal-mining landscape of western Kentucky is captured here at a moment of transition during the early 1950s. The Illinois Central and Louisville And Nashville railroads dominate the logistics of the region, connecting towns like Providence and Clay to wider markets. The terrain is defined by a heavy concentration of Strip Mines and specific operations like Mine No 5 and Fairmont Mine, which appear alongside the residential and religious heart of these communities.

Genealogists will find a wealth of local landmarks, including family-named sites like Blackwell Cem and Frazer Cem, as well as numerous country churches such as New Hopewell Ch and White Oak Ch. The Tradewater River and complex drainage systems like the W L Baker Ditch reflect the extensive modifications made to the lowlands of Black Rough Bottom. Notable mid-century cultural markers include the Drive-in Theater near Clay and the Rosenwald Sch in Providence, documenting the educational and social infrastructure of the era.