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1953 Map of Harpers Ferry

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Harpers Ferry
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

The Potomac River and Shenandoah River converge at a historic tri-state intersection where Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia meet. This mid-century survey captures the industrial and educational landscape of Harpers Ferry, including the campus of Storer College and the strategic rail infrastructure of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. The topography is dominated by the steep ridges of Elk Ridge and South Mountain, which channel the river through narrow gaps that have historically dictated transportation routes.

Evidence of earlier economic eras is visible in the C and O Canal (Abandoned) tracing the northern riverbank. Rural life in the surrounding counties is marked by several historic houses of worship, such as St Pauls Church and New Jerusalem Church, along with agricultural landmarks like Garretts Mill and Georges Mill. The Appalachian Trail is shown following the heights, linking the river crossing to the high ground of Loudoun Heights and beyond.