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1907 Map of Natural Bridge Special

Name: 1907 Topographic Map of Natural Bridge Special
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1907
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1907

About this map

The Natural Bridge landmark anchors this 1907 survey, which reveals a transition from industrial ironwork to a rail-and-river economy. Along the winding James River, the Shenandoah Division and the Chesapeake and Ohio RR connect riverfront communities like Buchanan, Indianrock, and Rockypoint. Remnants of earlier industry are evident at Jane Furnace (Ruins) and Rebecca Furnace (Ruins) near Rocky Ford Mill, indicating the iron-founding history of the North Mountain area.

Social and civic infrastructure is well-documented through rural anchors like Seceder Church, Highbridge Church, and Hamilton School. The map captures the prominence of the old Valley Road and the Plank Road, which facilitated movement between settlements such as Sherwood PO and Fancy Hill. The steep topography of the Short Hills and Camp Mountain defines the drainage patterns of Cedar Creek and South Buffalo Creek, shaping the placement of early mills and mountain farms.