1965 Map of Big Island

About this map

James River water gaps and the rising slopes of the George Washington National Forest define this 1960s landscape as it transitions into the early 1980s. The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad tracks hug the northern bank of the river, passing through riverside settlements like Waugh, Big Island, and Pearch. High above the river valley, the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the terrain, offering numerous vantage points such as the Otter Creek Flats Overlook and The Riffles Overlook. The mapping of this area captures a period where traditional rural life, anchored by places like Thornton Ch and Pedlar Mills, intersected with the growing recreational use of the mountains. Local landmarks like Holcomb Rock and the Otter Creek Recreation Area indicate how the natural features of the Pedlar River and surrounding peaks were integrated into the region's development.