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1953 Map of Parkesburg

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Parkesburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

Penn Central rail lines and the Lincoln Highway anchor this landscape, cutting through the distinctive ridge-and-valley topography of the North Valley Hills and South Valley Hills. The map documents a cluster of industrial and residential growth in the mid-20th century, particularly around the boroughs of Parkesburg, Atglen, and Christiana. These settlements are linked by a network of historic transit corridors, including the Strasburg Road and Newport Pike.

Away from the main rail corridor, the area maintains a rural character defined by local institutions and family-named landmarks. Genealogists can locate several historic spiritual and educational centers, such as the Sadsbury Meeting House, Zion Hill Ch, and the West Fallowfield Sch. The landscape is further drained by a complex system of waterways, notably Octoraro Creek and Valley Run, which separate the various townships and smaller communities like Sadsburyville and Cochranville.