1947 Map of Barton

About this map

Savage Mountain and the deep drainage of the Savage River State Forest dominate this mid-century look at the borderlands of Garrett and Allegany counties. The settlement pattern is split between the secluded highland outposts like Merrill and Custer Hol and the industrial corridor along Georges Creek. This eastern valley serves as the primary artery for transportation and industry, following the Western Maryland railroad through a dense string of mining and residential communities including Barton, Moscow, and Nikep. Evidence of the region’s coal heritage is visible in the clusters of strip mines near Phoenix and Franklin Hill, while the higher elevations are preserved as a Game Propagation Area. Landmarks such as High Rock 2991 Lookout and Mt Zion Ch provide clear reference points for those tracing the lineage of these Appalachian ridge communities.