1963 Map of Holden

About this map

Island Creek and its many tributaries carve through the coal-rich hills of Logan County, defining a landscape of narrow hollows and concentrated industrial settlements. This 1963 survey, updated with 1986 aerial data, reveals the density of the region's mining heritage through numerous strip mines and mine dumps that flank communities like Whitman, Holden, and Verdunville. The spiritual and social life of these mountain towns is marked by landmarks such as the Coal Miners Chapel and Mount Olive Ch, while genealogists can locate family burial sites including Avis Cem and Ferrell Cem. The Chessy System railroad provides the vital industrial backbone for the area, following the creek beds to transport coal. To the north, the Chief Logan State Recreation Area offers a glimpse into the early development of regional public lands amidst the active extraction economy of the mid-to-late 20th century.