2014 Map of Matoaka

About this map

The Bluestone River and its numerous tributaries, including the Middleton Fork and Rich Creek, define the topography of this Mercer County landscape. The settlement patterns follow the winding valley floors and narrow ridges, connecting small communities like Lashmeet, Beeson, and Matoaka. Industrial activity is evident near Dott with the presence of a Slurry Impoundment, reflecting the region's long-standing connection to coal operations. Local genealogy is well-supported by numerous burial sites, such as the Saint Peters Lutheran Cemetery and the Matoaka Cemetery, alongside family-named landmarks like Browning Lambert Mountain. Near Lake Bottom, the historic Lake Shawnee sits as a notable landmark amidst the winding terrain of Periwinkle Bottom. The extensive road network, including the Old Star Mine Haul Road, illustrates how extraction and transport infrastructure have shaped the movement through these West Virginia hills.