1960 Map of Sligo Bridge

About this map

The Center Hill Reservoir dominates this 1960 landscape, where the rising waters of the Caney Fork transformed the deep valleys of DeKalb and White Counties into a complex network of flooded hollows and peninsulas. The survey illustrates the intersection of mid-century infrastructure and traditional rural life, capturing several family-named landmarks and cemeteries situated on the high ground above the inundation line. The prominent Sligo Bridge serves as a critical crossing point near Sligo Dock, while the interior terrain features numerous small settlements like Peeled Chestnut and Jefferson. Cultural sites are well-preserved in this record, including Johnsons Chapel, Shiloh Ch, and the intriguing Indian Mound overlooking a bend in the river. This era represents a significant shift for the region, as recreational and hydroelectric development by agencies like the Geological Survey and USCE redefined the local economy around the reservoir's shoreline.