1953 Map of Blue Ridge Summit

About this map

Blue Ridge Summit and the high-elevation resort settlements of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains define this 1953 landscape along the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. The rugged geography is marked by the presence of large institutional and military footprints, including the sprawling Victor Cullen State Hospital and Fort Ritchie Mil Res. The Western Maryland railroad winds through steep gaps, passing the Jack Mountain Tunnel to serve communities like Highfield, Cascade, and Sabillasville. To the south, the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area preserves the wilderness around Cunningham Falls and Hunting Creek. This era captures the region as a primary mountain retreat and strategic military corridor, with small rural nodes like Foxville and Fountain Dale connected by MD. 77 and MD. 81 through the gaps of Piney Mountain and Jack Mountain.