1896 Map of Hillsville

About this map

Iron production and river navigation define this late 19th-century survey of the Blue Ridge plateau. The New River carves a deep path through the landscape, supporting a series of industrial sites including the Ivanhoe Furnace, Boom Furnace, and Radford Furnace. These industrial operations are supported by a network of river crossings such as Jackson Ferry and Blair Ferry, which were critical before widespread bridge construction in the region.