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1957 Map of Blue Creek

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Blue Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The Elk River carves a winding path through this portion of Kanawha County, dictating the development of riverside settlements and industry during the mid-20th century. Along the banks, the Baltimore and Ohio railroad follows the water's edge, connecting towns like Elkview and Falling Rock. A notable industrial presence is marked by the Oil Refinery near Walgrove, reflecting the region's long-standing connection to natural resource extraction.

Away from the river, the landscape transitions into steep ridges and hollows where smaller communities and family landmarks are situated. Pinch and Upper Pinch serve as local hubs, while numerous country churches and cemeteries, such as Pinch Ridge Ch and Jarretts Cem, are scattered throughout the hills. The map captures an era of post-war growth and industrial activity, shown through the dense concentration of gas and oil wells that dot the terrain between Pinch Ridge and the Elk River.