1970 Map of Ashby Gap

About this map

Ashby Gap serves as the central crossing point through the Blue Ridge on this topographic record, connecting the lowlands of Paris with the river valley to the west. The Shenandoah River snakes through the landscape, creating dramatic geographical features like Calmes Neck and Burwell Island. The map documents a rural network of named hollows and ridges, such as Slate Ridge and Duke Hollow, which dictated the early settlement patterns of small communities like Frogtown and Berrys. Historic infrastructure is well-represented, from the Norfolk and Western tracks in the northwest to the Castlemans Ferry Bridge and Byrd Bridge. Local genealogy and community history are anchored by several country churches, including Mountain Ch, Ebenezer Ch, and Mt Carmel Ch, along with the Providence Chapel Cem. On the eastern heights, the facility at Mt Weather stands at the border of Loudoun and Clarke counties.