1975 Map of Bens Run

About this map

The Ohio River corridor serves as the primary artery for settlement and industry in this 1975 aerial orthophotograph. Along the river's eastern bank, the communities of Bens Run and Beavertown are clearly visible, illustrating the traditional river-oriented development patterns of the region. This orthophotoquad, produced by the Geological Survey and Soil Conservation Service, offers a unique photographic perspective on the land use of the mid-1970s. While the riverfront is characterized by industrial facilities and residential clusters, the interior is dominated by the dramatic, winding course of Middle Island Creek, which snakes through the wooded ridges and valleys. The contrast between the straightened engineering of the riverfront and the deep, natural oxbows of the inland creek provides a clear view of how topography dictated West Virginia's expansion during this era.