{"product_id":"old-map-of-sewanee-tennessee-by-usgs-1946-university-of-the-south-monteagle-cowan","title":"Old Map of Sewanee, Tennessee by USGS, 1946 – University of the South, Monteagle \u0026 Cowan","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1947 from survey data gathered in 1946, the United States Geological Survey quadrangle titled “Sewanee” captures a richly contoured portrait of Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau at mid-century. Made in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority, the map presents Sewanee and its surrounding highland landscape at the precise 1:24,000 scale associated with the classic USGS topographical series. Its brown contour lines, green woodland tinting, and crisply drawn roads, railways, streams, and settlements reveal both the scientific rigor and visual elegance of American government cartography. This is a map of elevation as much as place: a careful rendering of a plateau community defined by ridges, coves, creeks, and the dramatic breaks in terrain that give the Sewanee region its distinctive character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the map is Sewanee, Tennessee, best known as the home of the University of the South, whose campus occupies one of the most storied positions on the Cumberland Plateau. Founded in the nineteenth century, the university helped shape the cultural and intellectual identity of this mountaintop community, and its presence gives the map a layer of institutional history beyond its geographic detail. Nearby roads such as Highland Road and Hargis Road trace patterns of access across the plateau, while Sewanee Lake and smaller watercourses mark the local hydrology. The map’s portrayal of the university town in 1946 offers a fascinating view of a place balanced between rural isolation, academic life, and expanding twentieth-century infrastructure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surrounding landscape is rendered with exceptional topographic sensitivity. Contour lines gather tightly along escarpments and hollows, opening more gently across flatter upland areas, allowing the viewer to read the Cumberland Plateau almost three-dimensionally. Big Creek and Little Creek carve through the terrain, their courses guided by the region’s rugged geology and elevation shifts. These details are not merely technical; they reveal how settlement, travel, and land use were shaped by the plateau’s natural architecture. The fine, systematic contouring highlights the cartographer’s ability to translate complex relief into legible form, making the map especially compelling for anyone interested in Appalachian landforms, Tennessee geography, or the relationship between human habitation and mountain terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map also situates Sewanee within a broader network of nearby communities and routes, including Monteagle, Cowan, Clifftops, and the roads and rail lines that connected the plateau to surrounding valleys and markets. Cowan, lying below the escarpment, historically served as an important railroad town, while Monteagle developed as a prominent gateway across the mountain. The inclusion of these places underscores the transitional nature of the region: part upland refuge, part transportation corridor, part academic enclave. Today, portions of this landscape are associated with the scenic expanses of South Cumberland State Park, but the map preserves an earlier moment, before many modern recreational and conservation identities had fully taken shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a work of the United States Geological Survey, this “Sewanee” quadrangle belongs to one of America’s most important cartographic traditions. The USGS became renowned for producing dependable, scientifically grounded maps that supported engineering, conservation, military planning, land management, and everyday navigation. Its collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority adds further significance, linking the map to the era of regional planning and modernization that transformed much of the American South. Yet beyond its official purpose, the map is visually absorbing: a measured composition of terrain, settlement, vegetation, water, and infrastructure. It preserves Sewanee and the Cumberland Plateau in a precise historical instant, offering both a practical survey and an evocative record of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSewanee, TN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClifftops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversity of the South\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSouth Cumberland State Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonteagle, TN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCowan, TN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSewanee Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBig Creek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLittle Creek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHargis Road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighland Road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNearby railroads and roads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:24,000 topographical map of Sewanee, Tennessee and the surrounding area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBased on survey data from 1946 and published in 1947\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS is a scientific agency of the U.S. government known for producing reliable geological and topographical maps of American landscapes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses a classic USGS topographic color scheme, with brown contour lines for elevation and green shading for vegetation and landscape features\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShows detailed elevation data, reflecting the hilly and mountainous terrain of the Cumberland Plateau region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides a mid-20th-century historical record of land use, settlement patterns, roads, natural features, and regional development\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe finely detailed contour lines demonstrate a systematic approach to representing the varied topography of Sewanee and its surroundings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369293184,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369325952,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369358720,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369391488,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369424256,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369457024,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369489792,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369522560,"sku":null,"price":267.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369555328,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369588096,"sku":null,"price":139.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369620864,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369653632,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369686400,"sku":null,"price":158.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369719168,"sku":null,"price":457.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369751936,"sku":null,"price":514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369784704,"sku":null,"price":139.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369817472,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369850240,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369883008,"sku":null,"price":168.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849369915776,"sku":null,"price":457.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849369948544,"sku":null,"price":514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849369981312,"sku":null,"price":168.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370014080,"sku":null,"price":457.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370046848,"sku":null,"price":514.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849370079616,"sku":null,"price":219.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370112384,"sku":null,"price":628.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370145152,"sku":null,"price":628.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849370177920,"sku":null,"price":219.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370210688,"sku":null,"price":628.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370243456,"sku":null,"price":628.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849370276224,"sku":null,"price":314.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370308992,"sku":null,"price":1456.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370341760,"sku":null,"price":1370.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849370374528,"sku":null,"price":476.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370407296,"sku":null,"price":1770.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370440064,"sku":null,"price":1665.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849370472832,"sku":null,"price":581.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370505600,"sku":null,"price":2664.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370538368,"sku":null,"price":2474.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58849370571136,"sku":null,"price":1075.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58849370603904,"sku":null,"price":3758.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58849370636672,"sku":null,"price":3568.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_61296e5f-a6ba-42b8-9d30-de7ddb188fb9.jpg?v=1788427519","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.ca\/es\/products\/old-map-of-sewanee-tennessee-by-usgs-1946-university-of-the-south-monteagle-cowan","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}