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1965 Map of Narrows

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Narrows
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The New River carves a deep path through the ridge-and-valley landscape of Giles Co, Virginia, and Mercer Co, West Virginia, where industrial infrastructure meets mountain wilderness. The town of Narrows serves as a focal point for the Norfolk and Western railroad, which follows the river's winding course alongside the Bluestone Reservoir. Small agrarian and mountain settlements like Shumate, Bluff City, and Thessalia are scattered throughout the valleys of Wolf Creek and Sugar Run.

Evidence of local family history is found in numerous scattered burial grounds, including the Blankenship Cem and Woolwine Cem. The high ground is dominated by Peters Mountain and Pearis Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail follows the ridgelines. Significant local landmarks such as Starnes Cavern and Angels Rest reflect the unique geological character of the Jefferson National Forest during the mid-1960s.