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1950 Map of Elliston

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Elliston
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Poor Mountain and Bent Mountain dominate this central Virginia landscape, where the Blue Ridge divides the drainage of the Roanoke River from the headwaters of the North Fork Blackwater River. The 1950s terrain is marked by a network of upland settlements and social centers, including Simpsons, Check, and Airpoint. In the north, the Virginian and Norfolk & Western railroads follow the river valley through Elliston and Shawsville, paralleling the Lee Highway.

A distinct recreational and communication infrastructure is evident, with multiple radio masts like the Radio Mast atop Bent Mountain and several mountain-top overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Local education and faith are anchored by rural landmarks such as Check High Sch, Webb Sch, and Kittingers Chapel. The crossing of the Appalachian Trail over Twelve O'Clock Knob further highlights the area's transition from river-valley industry to high-ridge wilderness.