1909 Map of Charleston Special

About this map

Charleston and its surrounding river-valley communities are centered at the confluence of the Elk River and the Kanawha River in this early 20th-century survey. The landscape is defined by the industrial and transport infrastructure of the era, notably the Chesapeake and Ohio RR and the Michigan Central RR which flank the Kanawha. The map captures a moment of transition where established river towns like Malden and South Charleston sit alongside rural hilltop schools and churches, such as the Oak Hill School and Fairview Church.