1924 Map of Circleville

About this map

The Germany Settlement and the small hamlets of the Potomac river valleys define this 1924 study of Pendleton County. Settled amidst high ridges like North Fork Mountain and Spruce Mtn, these communities relied on a network of mountain passes and localized industry, evidenced by Harpen Mill and McCoys Mill. The density of small schoolhouses, such as Briery Gap School, Pitzenbarger School, and Painter School, reveals a landscape of isolated but established rural life before modern consolidation. Along the North Fork Potomac River and the South Branch Potomac River, family names are preserved through landmarks like Judy Rocks and Hammon Rocks. This survey captures the transition of the region as the Monongahela National Forest and Shenandoah National Forest began to enclose these traditional upland settlements.