1950 Map of Kitzmiller

About this map

The Potomac River carves a sharp, winding boundary between Maryland and West Virginia, defining the industrial and social life of this coal-country corridor. Along the North Branch, a dense string of company towns and rail stops including Kitzmiller, Blaine, and Shallmar follow the narrow valley floor, served by the Western Maryland railroad. Higher elevations on Backbone Mountain show a different pace of life, where isolated landmarks like Walnut Bottom Ch and Mt Zion Sch supported upland farming families.