2011 Map of McDowell

About this map

Confederate Breastworks stand as a physical reminder of the Civil War history that defines this portion of Highland County, overlooking the mountain gaps and watercourses that shaped local defense and settlement. The landscape is characterized by the branching drainages of the Bullpasture River, Coupasture River, and Shaws Fork, which carve out numerous hollows and drafts. Early communities like McDowell, Liberty, and Head Waters are established along these valley corridors, connected by the winding path of State Rte 616. Distinctive topographic landmarks such as Sittlington Hill, Signal Corps Knob, and Maple Knob rise above the complex network of mountain draws, including Clover Lick Hollow and Salthouse Hollow, illustrating a terrain where high ridges and deep drafts dictated the placement of roads and homesteads.