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1965 Map of Old Rag Mtn

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

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Old Rag Mountain dominates this mid-1960s terrain, where the boundary between Shenandoah National Park and private lands in Madison County is clearly defined. The mapping reveals a landscape transitioning from the protected wilderness of the Blue Ridge to the small agricultural communities of the Piedmont. Within the park, hikers can trace the Appalachian Trail as it winds past the Shaver Hollow Shelter and several overlooks along Skyline Drive. Significant landmarks like Corbin Cabin and Byrds Nest No 1 serve as touchstones for those interested in the recreational and residential history of the mountainside.

Downslope to the east, the settlement of Etlan and its surrounding hollows show a different character. Here, the map documents numerous unnamed Cemeteries and local landmarks such as Bethlehem Ch, reflecting the generational footprint of family-owned land. The network of waters, including the Hughes River and Robinson River, dictates the placement of roads and homesteads, providing a look at the rural geography of Virginia just before modern development patterns shifted the local economy.