1958 Map of Big Chimney

About this map

The Elk River winds through the heart of this Kanawha County landscape, serving as a vital corridor for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and settlements like Big Chimney and Milliken. In the late 1950s, the southern portion of the area shows significant infrastructure developments, most notably the Kanawha Airport and the neighboring Coonskin Park. The map reveals a deeply dissected terrain where communities and family landmarks are tucked into narrow valleys and along creek forks. Genealogists may find value in the specific placement of rural institutions such as the McKinley Sch, Griffith Chapel, and the Burdette-Walker Cem. Away from the river, the hills are marked by extraction activities, including various Mines and Strip Mine sites, while numerous Gas Well and Oil Well labels point to the region's active energy economy during this era.