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1962 Map of Clifton Forge

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Clifton Forge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

The confluence of the Jackson River and Cowpasture River forms the James River in the southeastern portion of this survey, a critical hydrographic junction that shaped the region's early industrial and transport identity. The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad corridor dominates the valley floor, connecting the hub of Clifton Forge to neighboring settlements like Selma and Iron Gate. This rail-oriented development is contrasted by the industrial archaeological site of Castle Furnace (Ruins) located along the riverbanks.

Mountainous terrain such as Fore Mtn and the Patch Mountains squeeze the development into narrow corridors, where community life is anchored by local institutions like Clifton Forge High Sch and several country churches, including Locust Bottom Ch and Walton Memorial Ch. To the north, the protected landscape of Douthat State Park offers a glimpse into the conservation efforts of the mid-20th century.