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2022 Map of Quicksand

Name: 2022 Topographic Map of Quicksand
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2022
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2022

About this map

Quicksand Creek and its South Fork carve a winding path through the dissected plateau of Breathitt County, defining the location of historic timber and coal-era settlements. The community of Quicksand serves as a focal point near the confluence, while smaller hamlets like Noctor, Keck, and Wilstacy are tucked into the narrow hollows and along the ridges. This terrain is characterized by steep slopes and deeply incised valleys, evidenced by named heights such as Pilot Knob and Rainbow Hill.

Genealogists will find a significant concentration of family burial grounds, including Brewer Cem, Bach Cem, and Williams Cem, often located on high ground overlooking the creek branches. Modern infrastructure like the Julian Carroll Airport occupies one of the few level ridgetops, contrasting with the traditional settlement patterns found at Portsmouth and Kragon. The complex network of local branches, such as Meat Scaffold Br and Dumb Betty Br, illustrates the intricate drainage system that has historically governed travel and land use in this part of Kentucky.