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1895 Map of Sewanee

Name: 1895 Topographic Map of Sewanee
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1941
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1941

About this map

The Cumberland Plateau in the late 19th century is defined by steep escapements and the early development of resort and educational communities. High on the ridge, the settlement of Sewanee sits near the Cowan Tunnel, a critical engineering feat for the Nashville Chattanooga and St. Louis RR Main Line. The topography is marked by deep coves such as Sweden Cove and Hubbard Cove, which dictate the paths of travel between the plateau and the valley floors.

Industry and recreation both leave their mark, from the iron and coal operations near Victoria and Inman to the established summer retreats of Beersheba Springs and Monteagle. Along the Tennessee River at the southern edge of the sheet, river crossings like Rankin Ferry and Loves Ferry provided essential links before modern bridges. Notable landmarks like the Natural Bridge and the Stone Door highlight the distinctive natural features that drew early visitors to these heights.