1890 Map of Christiansburg

About this map

Christiansburg and Salem anchor this late-19th-century topographic record of the mountainous Virginia and West Virginia borderlands. The landscape is defined by the massive ridges of Potts Mountain, Johns Creek Mountain, and Catawba Mountain, which channel the Roanoke River and Craigs Creek. This era highlights a burgeoning resort culture centered on mineral springs, documented by the presence of Montgomery White Sulphur Sprs., Yellow Sulphur Springs, and Craig Healing Springs. Transportation is dominated by the Norfolk and Western Railroad, which navigates the difficult terrain via the Big Tunnel near Shawsville. Local industry and rural life are evidenced by numerous water-powered sites such as Mc Donalds Mill and Tyrees Mill, and small post offices like Bradshaw P.O. and Dillons Mill P.O. that served the valley gaps.