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1937 Map of Narrows

Name: 1937 Topographic Map of Narrows
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

The New River carves a deep path through the Appalachians, creating the dramatic geological gap known as The Narrows. This landscape is defined by the industrial and transport corridor established along the water, where the Norfolk and Western and Virginian railroads compete for passage through the tight river valley. Steep ridges like Peters Mountain and East River Mountain frame a region of scattered rural settlements and essential infrastructure, including the Hayes Dam Tunnel and the historic Shanklins Ferry.

Genealogists and local historians can trace the network of one-room schoolhouses that once anchored these hollows, such as Scratchgravel School, Panther Branch School, and Mudhole School. The presence of Mercers Saltworks and the Willowton P O points to the early economic nodes of the area, while the topography features distinctive family and descriptive landmarks like Angels Rest and Turnhole Knob.