2011 Map of Branchland

About this map

The Guyandotte River winds through this central Lincoln County landscape, serving as the primary corridor for settlements like Branchland, Midkiff, and Sheridan. The terrain is defined by a dense network of hollows and ridges, including Stone Coal Hollow and McComas Ridge, where local life is deeply rooted in the creek-side topography. Genealogists will find an exceptional density of family-named burial grounds throughout these hills, such as Saunders Cemetery, Hager Cemetery, and Adkins Cemetery. These sites are often positioned on higher ground like Bear Knob or tucked into drainages like Stout Creek and Tenmile Creek. The settlement pattern follows the narrow valley floors, with places like Hubball and Rockville marking the intersections of river and rail routes. This survey provides a clear view of the rural West Virginia geography before modern developments altered these traditional mountain communities.