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1935 Map of Rankin

Name: 1935 Topographic Map of Rankin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1935
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1935

About this map

The French Broad River and Pigeon River dominate this 1935 landscape, winding through the Irish Bottoms just as the Tennessee Valley Authority began its regional transformation. This advance sheet captures the community of Rankin and the village of Bybee during a period of transition for East Tennessee's river valleys. Family-named landmarks and rural infrastructure are densely mapped, including Atchleys Mill and a series of country schools like Talley Memorial Sch and McNabb Sch.

Transport is defined by the Southern railroad and Highway No 25 E, which provide the primary links between the ridges. The map is particularly rich for genealogical research, identifying numerous small congregations such as Briar Thicket Ch, New Home Ch, and Rays Chapel. The terrain is characterized by named hollows and branches, including Baysinger Hollow and Paddling Branch, which trace the drainage patterns before modern development altered the rural character of Cocke and Jefferson Counties.