1959 Map of Lead Mine

About this map

Backbone Mountain and Leadmine Mountain dominate this part of the West Virginia highlands, where industrial activity and remote mountain life converge. In the south, the Western Maryland railroad winds through the canyon of the North Branch, serving the mining communities of Thomas, Coketon, and Douglas. This corridor is heavily marked by Strip Mines and a Quarry, illustrating the area's intensive resource extraction. Away from the rails, the landscape is defined by the Monongahela National Forest and the winding course of Horseshoe Run. Small settlements and family landmarks such as Shafer, Lead Mine, and Sugarland are scattered through the valleys, each often anchored by local institutions like Sugarland Sch and Mt Olive Ch. The numerous small burial grounds, including Hile Cem and Knotts Cem, provide essential evidence of early families in this difficult terrain.