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1904 Map of Parkersburg

Name: 1904 Topographic Map of Parkersburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1904
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1904

About this map

The confluence of the Ohio River and Little Kanawha River serves as the focal point for this early 20th-century survey, anchored by the growing urban footprint of Parkersburg. Across the river, the Ohio shore is dotted with smaller riverside communities such as Belpre and Constitution, while Blennerhassett Island sits prominently in the stream. The geography reflects a complex river-and-rail economy, with multiple divisions of the Baltimore and Ohio R.R. following the banks to serve riverfront commerce.

Moving inland into Washington County, the landscape transitions to a network of creeks and small crossroads settlements. Places like Watertown, Churchtown, and Browns Mill indicate a pattern of rural development centered on milling and localized trade along the Wolf Creek and Little Hocking River drainages. The detailed rendering of ridges like Tirk Ridge and numerous branches provides an excellent record of the terrain before modern highway development altered the traditional overland routes between Barlow and the river towns.