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1947 Map of Parnassus

Name: 1947 Topographic Map of Parnassus
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

Natural Chimneys stands as a prominent geological landmark along the boundary of Rockingham and Augusta counties, marking the transition from the fertile river bottoms to the steep slopes of the Shenandoah Mountain range. This mid-century survey reveals a landscape defined by small valley settlements like Sangerville, Parnassus, and Mt Solon, which are connected by a network of winding roads and mountain gaps such as Briery Branch Gap and North River Gap.

The presence of Stribling Springs and the Hone Quarry Picnic Grounds reflects the area's long-standing role in recreation, while the Staunton Dam and sites like Camp May Flather indicate how the mountain watersheds were managed for both utility and youth education. Genealogists and local historians can trace rural community life through numerous small landmarks, including the Fulton School and Lone Chapel, situated amongst the ridges of Narrow Back Mountain and Little Mountain.