1904 Map of Blacksville

About this map

Dunkard Creek and its many tributary runs carve through the borderlands between West Virginia and Pennsylvania, defining a landscape of small agricultural and mining settlements at the dawn of the twentieth century. The community of Blacksville sits just south of the Pennsylvania West Virginia boundary line, serving as a hub for the surrounding hollows. Movement through the region was anchored by the Morgantown and Fairmont Turnpike, while the Baltimore and Ohio RR provided critical industrial connections for towns like Rivesville and Stafford. Along the river, a system of navigation is evident through Lock No. 14 and Lock No. 12, which facilitated the movement of goods. Genealogists will find interest in localized post offices and settlements such as Fairview Amos PO, Center PO McCurdyville, and Beechwood PO, which reflect the early distribution of mail and community life in Monongalia and Marion counties.