1900 Map of Paw Paw

About this map

The Potomac River carves dramatic meanders through the central Appalachian ridges at the turn of the century, serving as a corridor for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Western Maryland Railroad. This era of transportation is further marked by the Canal following the river’s north bank and the presence of Dam No. 6 near Pearre. The landscape is dominated by parallel ridges like Purslane Mountain, Sideling Hill, and Cacapon Mountain, which constrained settlement and infrastructure into the narrow river valleys and gaps.