1936 Map of Purdy

About this map

Purdy serves as the focal point of this Tennessee Valley Authority and USGS collaboration, capturing the eastern edge of McNairy County during a transitional period for regional infrastructure. Compiled from early aerial photographs and field examinations by engineers like Albert Pike and Arthur E. Morgan, the sheet illustrates a landscape defined by its hydrography and high ground. The prominent Tennessee Basin Divide snakes through the topography, marking a significant hydrological boundary that separates local drainage patterns. Transportation is anchored by U S Highway No 64 State No 15 and State Highway No 57, which navigate the elevation changes near Little Snake Creek. This advance sheet represents the initial stages of modern mapping in the area, providing a precise look at road alignments and small-scale settlements before mid-century development.