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1943 Map of Emmitsburg

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Emmitsburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

South Mountain dominates the western landscape of this 1943 survey, where the rugged terrain of the Blue Ridge meets the fertile valleys of Frederick County. The map documents a significant intersection of religious and educational history at Emmitsburg, featuring the sprawling grounds of Mount St Marys College and St Josephs Academy. Along the foot of the mountains, the industrial legacy of the region is anchored by the historic Catoctin Furnace, while the peaks above are marked by military and recreational sites like Camp Ritchie and numerous camps including Camp Airy.

The transportation network of the mid-1940s is intricately detailed, showing the Western Maryland and Pennsylvania railroad lines serving small mountain and valley communities. These tracks connect vital local hubs such as Thurmont, Sabillasville, and Rocky Ridge. Water features like the Monocacy River and Fishing Creek Reservoir illustrate the hydraulic character of the area, supporting landmarks like Shanks Mill and the State Fish Hatchery. This record serves as a precise accounting of Frederick County before modern highway expansions altered the rural character of its settlements and mountain gaps.