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1907 Map of Kingwood

Name: 1907 Topographic Map of Kingwood
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1918
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1918

About this map

The Cheat River carves a deep, winding path through the Briery Mountains and Laurel Ridge in this early 20th-century survey of Preston County. The landscape is defined by its early transit network, where established routes like the Morgantown Turnpike and the Northwestern Virginia Turnpike intersect with the critical Baltimore and Ohio RR corridor. Along the river, historical crossing points such as Fairfax Ferry, Trowbridge Ferry, and the Pleasant Valley Ford indicate how commerce and residents moved before the widespread construction of modern bridges.

Rural life is anchored by a network of small mountain communities and landmarks, including Kingwood, Terra Alta, and Aurora. Genealogists and local historians can locate specific centers of community identity, such as Oakgrove Church, Camp Chapel, and various local educational sites like the Buffalo Schoolhouse and Redrock Schoolhouse. The map also meticulously records the numerous "runs" and creeks feeding the river, from Ashpole Run to Saltlick Creek, providing a detailed look at the hydrology of this Appalachian highland.