1936 Map of Swearengin

About this map

The Tennessee Valley Authority and U.S. Geological Survey documented this rugged stretch of Northeast Alabama as the landscape prepared for significant change. The Tennessee River dominates the southeastern quadrant, where the shoreline is marked as "Proposed," indicating the impoundment that would soon reshape the valley. Above the river plain, Gunter Mountain and the Burns Reservation define the local topography, with numerous coves like Kennamer Cove and Thomas Cove providing the primary sites for small farming settlements. Community life is well-documented through scattered landmarks such as the Old Barclay Mill, the State Prison Camp C, and several rural meeting houses including Beulah Ch and Welcome Home Ch. The map captures a pre-flood economy of river landings like Romans Landing and upland hamlets like Swearengin, offering a precise record of family-named features before the full impact of the Guntersville Dam project.