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1957 Map of Blue Creek

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Blue Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The Elk River winds through this 1957 landscape, serving as a corridor for both the Baltimore and Ohio railroad and an intense network of energy extraction. This survey reveals a terrain saturated with thousands of oil and gas wells, particularly concentrated on the slopes above Blue Creek and Walgrove. Despite the heavy industrial footprint, the region maintains a dense fabric of small rural communities and family landmarks.

Genealogical interest is found in the numerous named schools such as Upper Pinch Sch and Big Fork Sch, along with local crossing points like Jarretts Ford. The map also documents a significant spiritual landscape, from Pauley Ch in the north to Wertz Chapel and Pinch Ridge Ch further south. The convergence of the Big Sandy River and the Elk near Falling Rock highlights the historical importance of these waterways to the local economy and transport before the expansion of modern highway systems.