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1962 Map of Clifton Forge

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Clifton Forge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The Jackson River carves through the Appalachian landscape, defining the industrial and civic layout of Clifton Forge during the mid-20th century. This area, a major hub for the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad, shows a dense network of residential neighborhoods like Fairview Heights and educational centers such as Clifton Forge High School and the Dabney S Lancaster Community College. The confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture River at the southern end of Wilson Mountain marks the headwaters of the James River, near the historic settlement of Iron Gate.

Evidence of the region's early industrial roots remains visible through features like the Calle Furnace (Ruins) tucked in the folds of Rich Patch Mountain. Beyond the urban centers, the map documents the reach of the George Washington National Forest and the proximity of Douthat State Park, illustrating the balance between the railroad economy and the preserved wilderness of the Fore Mountain and Sharon Mountain ridges.