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1971 Map of Sylvan Springs

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of Sylvan Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Locust Fork dominates the western half of this 1971 survey, serving as a vital industrial artery where several railroads converge to serve the region's extractive economy. The industrial landscape is defined by numerous Strip Mine operations and the facilities at Port Birmingham, while the Birmingham Southern, Louisville and Nashville, and St Louis San Francisco railroads trace the winding terrain to connect these coal-rich areas.

Smaller residential pockets like Sylvan Springs, Maytown, and Praco are scattered among the ridges and creek valleys, offering a look at community life during this era. Genealogists will find several family-named landmarks and burial sites, such as Atwood Cem and Salter Cem, along with the Williamsburg Ch near Porter. The transition from river-bottom industry at Nichols Shoals to the residential elevations of Booker Heights illustrates the distinct social and economic geography of Jefferson County before further suburban development.