2023 Map of Kitzmiller

About this map

The North Branch Potomac River forms the state line between Garrett County, Maryland, and Mineral County, West Virginia, carving a deep valley through the heart of this Appalachian coal-mining district. Settlements like Kitzmiller, Blaine, and Shallmar huddle along the river banks, showing the characteristic linear development of industrial mountain towns. To the north, the terrain climbs toward Backbone Mountain and Pheasant Ridge, where the landscape is dotted with smaller mining camps such as West Vindex and East Vindex. This area is particularly rich for genealogical research, documenting numerous burial sites such as Rose Hill Cem, Tasker Cem, and Hamill Cem that serve the scattered rural communities. The map also records the presence of Jennings Randolph Lake, illustrating the more recent transition of this landscape toward water management and recreation.