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1953 Map of Sandgap

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Sandgap
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

The Cumberland National Forest landscape shown here in the early 1950s is defined by a dense network of creek branches and ridge-top settlements. Small communities like Sandgap and Waneta are connected by KY 89, while the interior of the forest is dotted with local institutions serving families in the hollows. The map records several named schoolhouses, including School No 1, School No 2, and Upper Indian Cr Sch, many of which were central to the rural social structure of Jackson County during this era.

From the S Tree Lookout Tower in the south to the northern ridges of Brushy Ridge, the topography is deeply dissected by drainages like Birch Lick Creek and Indian Creek. Local spiritual and community life is anchored at Birch Lick Ch and Lettered Rock Ch. The presence of a Quarry and numerous bench marks suggests a landscape being actively measured and managed for timber and resources during the mid-century period.