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1958 Map of Charleston West

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Charleston West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Industrial and educational growth along the Kanawha River defines the landscape during the mid-century development of the state capital region. The massive Naval Ordnance Plant in South Charleston stands as a primary landmark, reflecting the area's strategic manufacturing importance. Residential expansion is visible in neighborhoods like Forest Hills and South Hills, while the presence of numerous neighborhood facilities, including Roxalana Sch, O'Dell Sch, and Jefferson Jr High Sch, illustrates the density of the post-war community.

Moving south from the urban core of Charleston, the terrain transitions into the steep ridges and hollows of the Kanawha State Forest. Along the winding path of Davis Creek, smaller settlements like Loudendale and Ruth maintain a more rural character. This geography is dotted with local heritage sites such as Graceland Cem and Kanawha Fork Ch, showing how population centers followed the narrow valleys and branches even as the city expanded.