1955 Map of Wilder

About this map

Wilder and the surrounding coal-mining communities of the Cumberland Plateau are documented in this mid-century survey, photorevised in the late 1970s. The landscape is defined by the sharp incision of the East Fork Obey River and its numerous tributaries, including Bills Creek and Big Piney Creek. The era's industrial footprint is clearly visible through extensive Strip Mines and several smaller Strip Mine operations that scar the ridges between Highland and Davidson. These industrial sites contrast with the rural infrastructure of the early 20th century, such as Sweetgum Sch and Bills Creek Sch. Genealogists will find value in the scattered family burial grounds like Turner Cem, Sells Cem, and Goney Cem, which anchor the local history of these upland settlements near the Overton and Fentress County line.