Loading map...

1954 Map of Deep Creek

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Deep Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Dismal Swamp Canal and the George Washington Canal anchor this mid-century look at the northern reaches of the Dismal Swamp in Virginia. This landscape is defined by its complex drainage network, where the Southern Branch Elizabeth River and the Intracostal Waterway facilitate coastal movement. Smaller settlements like Deep Creek, Grassfield, and Cornland are connected by a mix of early roads and industrial spurs like the Lumber RR.

The presence of several community anchors, including the Deep Creek Sch and various local churches such as Bethlehem Ch and Good Hope Ch, provides a clear view of the social geography before mid-century development. Landings like West Landing and Douglas Landing along the canal route illustrate the historical reliance on these waterways for transport and trade. This survey captures a moment when timber harvesting and swamp drainage were central to the regional economy, reflected in features like the Big Entry Ditch and Five Mile Ditch.