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1964 Map of Oxford

Name: 1964 Topographic Map of Oxford
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Hughes River and the South Fork Hughes River carve through the landscape of Doddridge and Ritchie counties, anchoring a network of small agricultural and resource-based communities. Small settlements like Oxford, Porto Rico, and Holbrook are connected by winding valley roads that follow the paths of numerous runs and forks, such as Cain Run and Otterslide Creek. The presence of several pumping stations and a vast network of gas wells indicates the region's historical reliance on the natural gas industry during the mid-1960s.

Local genealogy and social history are well-preserved through numerous landmarks, including Walnut Grove Ch and Pine Grove Ch. Family-named cemeteries like Natter Cem, Michaels Cem, and Maxwell Cem are scattered across the ridges, providing a clear record of the area's rural heritage. Unusual terrain features like Natter Cave and named hollows such as Clevenger Hollow further distinguish this section of the West Virginia highlands.