Loading map...

1949 Map of Sugar Tree

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Sugar Tree
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Benton and Decatur Counties meet along a ridge-heavy landscape in this 1949 survey, which captures the rural character of Tennessee before significant modern development. The northeastern corner is bounded by the Tennessee National Migratory Wildlife Refuge and the Kentucky Lake section of the Tennessee River, including Denson Island. The interior is defined by a network of ridges like Bumble Bee Ridge and Conrad Ridge, where small communities and family landmarks are concentrated.

Settlements such as Mellwain and Spences Store serve as focal points for a scattered population supported by numerous small institutions. Local history is preserved in the locations of Manley Chapel School, Oak Grove Church, and Akins Chapel. Unique geographic features including Baugus Cave and Morris Spring provide insight into the natural water sources that influenced early settlement patterns in these hollows.