1891 Map of Dublin

About this map

The New River carves a deep, winding path through the heart of the Appalachian landscape in the late 19th century, serving as the primary corridor for the Norfolk and Western Railroad. Industrial activity is evident in the southern reaches, where the Altoona Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Belle Hampton Mine signify the era's mining operations. Further north, the river is punctuated by historic crossings such as Snidows Ferry and Goodwins Ferry, while the presence of Mercers Salt Works and Gray Sulphur Sprs highlights the region's reliance on natural resources and early tourism around mineral springs. Settlements like Pearisburg and Dublin are established hubs along these critical transport lines, illustrating a period where rail and water dictated the growth of mountain communities in Virginia and West Virginia.