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1971 Map of Tuscumbia

Name: 1971 Topographic Map of Tuscumbia
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

Industrial and urban development define the landscape of the Tennessee River valley as it appeared in the early 1970s. The contiguous cities of Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals form a dense corridor of growth, anchored by the Southern Railway and a network of major thoroughfares like the Lee Highway and Jackson Highway. Beyond the urban core, the map reveals a varied topography where the flat valley floors meet the sharp rises of Backbone Mountain and Bald Knob.

Genealogists and local historians can find a wealth of specific landmarks, from established burial grounds like Oakwood Cem to local educational institutions such as Deshler High School and Muscle Shoals Technical Institute. The transition from the industrial riverfront near Pickwick Lake to the rural south is marked by smaller settlements like Colbert Heights and Baldwin, providing a detailed look at Colbert County's mid-century expansion and its enduring rural roots.