1962 Map of Oriskany

About this map

Craig Creek and Catawba Creek dominate the drainage of this Virginia landscape, where steep ridgelines like Patterson Mountain and Caldwell Mountain divide the remote hollows of Jefferson National Forest. The map reflects a rural economy shaped by these physical barriers, with small settlements like Oriskany and Howell Mills situated along the narrow valley floors. Genealogists will find significant local data in the distribution of family burial grounds, including McKalester Cem and Anderson Cem, as well as cornerstones of the community like King Memorial Ch and Mt Pleasant Ch. A notable infrastructure feature is the Pipeline that cuts across the terrain of Switzer Mountain, representing twentieth-century utility expansion through these long-established mountain gaps. The southern boundary reaches the historic town of Fincastle, illustrating the connection between the rugged backcountry and the county seat.