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Farming For A Better Future, page 65
Mapping the Valley
Before dams, locks, and lakes could be constructed forever changing the landscape of the Tennessee River Valley the entire watershed needed to be mapped. The U.S. Geological Survey previously surveyed and mapped the Middle Tennessee Valley in North Alabama in the early 20th century. These maps were at a scale of 1:48000 or 1:62500, however, TVA was in need of more detailed maps and aerial photography on a
scale of 1:24000. This partnering between the USGS and TVA began in 1933 and by 1936, most of the Middle Tennessee Valley maps were published, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the region just after the damming and flooding. The mapping assisted in land acquisition, topography for dam sites, construction camps, and recreational areas, surveys for transmission lines, railroad, highway, and cemetery relocations, among other things.
(Bottom Left) Map of the Tennessee Valley and TVA Projects, TVA Pamphlet “Kentucky Dam,” 1945; Records of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Record Group 142; National Archives and Records
Administration - Atlanta, Identifier No. 281490. (Bottom Right) 1936 Topographic Map Made by TVA and U.S. Geological Survey at a Scale of 1:24000, this Map is of Wheeler Dam in Lawrence County (USGS/TVA, Wheeler Dam, Alabama Quadrangle)
65 - COLBERT - (4593)