1959 Map of Colebank

About this map

Laurel Mountain and Reno Mountain dominate this West Virginia landscape, where the ridges of the Monongahela National Forest meet the deep drainages of Sandy Creek and Licking Creek. The 1950s cultural data reveals a highly localized mountain economy characterized by numerous country schools and churches positioned along winding roads and jeep trails. Many of these community hubs, such as Mt Castle Ch and the Digman Sch, are situated near traditional valley settlements like Valley Furnace and Kasson. The presence of scattered Gas Wells throughout the Licking and Clover districts signals the region's mid-century energy development. Researchers will find a terrain carved by numerous forks, including the Left Fork Clover Run and Right Fork Bull Run, illustrating the complex topography that shaped settlement patterns between Barbour, Preston, and Tucker Counties.