1949 Map of Purdy

About this map

The Gulf Mobile and Ohio railroad corridor serves as the industrial spine for this McNairy County landscape, connecting the primary settlements of Bethel Springs and Selmer. This mid-century survey reveals a deeply dissected terrain where the Tennessee Valley Divide snakes through the eastern half of the map, separating drainage systems like Cypress Creek from the eastern hollows. The rural character of the area is underscored by the dense placement of community anchors, including the County Farm and a network of local houses of worship such as Bethesda Church and Rural Hill Church. A notable engineering feature is the Cypress Drainage Canal, which illustrates historical efforts to manage the low-lying wetlands west of the main rail line. Smaller settlements like Purdy and Falcon maintain their identity through local landmarks, including the Purdy Cemetery and Falcon Church, providing a clear view of Tennessee's rural settlement patterns during the late 1940s.