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1967 Map of Clay

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Clay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The Elk River carves a winding path through the center of this terrain, its horseshoe loops defining the geography of Clay and its surrounding communities during the late 1960s. The B & O railroad tracks parallel the riverbank, serving as a vital artery for the region's extraction-based economy, connecting Clay Junction and Dundon to the broader industrial network. Numerous gas and oil wells are peppered throughout the hollows and ridges, such as Pisgah Ridge and Longs Ridge, indicating the heavy reliance on natural resource development in this West Virginia landscape.

Industrial activity is further evidenced by several strip mines located near Bickmore in the southern portion of the sheet. Despite this industrial presence, the map shows the persistence of small-scale settlement patterns with scattered landmarks like Buffalo Valley Ch and the Athletic Field at Clay. The steep topography, punctuated by heights like Mt Pisgah and Chestnut Knob, creates a natural isolation for the various creek branches, including Lilly Fork and Grassy Fork, where local life remained centered around the narrow valley floors.