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1977 Map of Alton

Name: 1977 Topographic Map of Alton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The Buckhannon River carves a winding path through this central West Virginia landscape, joined by its Right Fork and Left Fork near the settlement of Alexander. This 1970s survey documents a region defined by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad corridor, which follows the river's contours to serve small communities like Alton, Selbyville, and Beans Mill. The presence of several Strip Mines and numerous Gas Wells throughout Meade, Banks, and Washington districts points to the heavy industrial and extraction-based economy of the era.

Local history is preserved in the distribution of family and community landmarks, such as Brooks Hill Cem, Harmony Ch, and the Stockerts (Site). The terrain is remarkably intricate, dissected by a dense network of watercourses including Tenmile Creek, Indian Camp Run, and Panther Creek. The map also captures several rural church sites like Indian Camp Ch and Cutright Ch, which served as anchors for the dispersed population living along the narrow hollows and ridge-top trails.