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1954 Map of Slabtown Spring

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Slabtown Spring
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

The Big Piney River meanders through a landscape defined by its deep hollows and creek systems within the Mark Twain National Forest. This 1954 topographic survey captures the rural character of Texas County at mid-century, where community life centered on isolated settlements like Slabtown and Hazleton. The prevalence of small, named schoolhouses such as Mooney Hollow School and Bell School underscores the decentralized nature of education in these valleys during the early 1950s.

Several landmarks tied to local genealogy appear, including the Omalley Cem and Merrill Cem, along with country churches like Long Hollow Church and Bell Church. Notable hydrological features such as Prewett Spring and Slabtown Spring provided essential water sources for these communities. The map also documents changing infrastructure, noting the Harmon Valley School (Abandoned) south of the river, offering a specific look at the region's evolving social geography.