1953 Map of Blue Ridge Summit

About this map

The Mason and Dixon Line serves as the central axis of this landscape, dividing Pennsylvania and Maryland across the crest of the Blue Ridge. At the heart of this highland region, Blue Ridge Summit and Highfield grew around the Western Maryland railroad line, which pierces the terrain at the Jacks Mountain Tunnel. This mid-century survey captures a diverse mix of institutional and recreational land use, ranging from the military installations at Fort Ritchie Mil Res and the Victor Cullen State Hospital to the extensive Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area. The map reveals a network of mountain communities and family-named landmarks like Buzzards Roost and Wolf Rock. The transition from the high peaks of Catoctin Mountain down into the Harbaugh Valley is marked by water features like Cunningham Falls and the scattered mountain settlements of Sabillasville and Foxville.