1957 Map of Kanawha

About this map

The Little Kanawha River meanders through Wood County, carving deep bends like Butcher Bend while serving as a central corridor for rural settlement in the mid-20th century. This area is characterized by a high density of community centers, including Vaught Chapel, Kanawha Chapel, and the Leachtown Schs. The map reveals the intricate network of the oil and gas industry, with numerous Oil Wells peppered across the ridges and along the Stillwell Creek drainage. Local social and agricultural life is anchored by the 4-H Camp and the Butcher Hill Hunt Club, illustrating a landscape shaped by both natural resources and local recreation. The confluence of the Little Kanawha River and the Hughes River near Leachtown marks a significant hydrological junction in the southeastern quadrant.