1900 Map of Pawpaw

About this map

The Potomac River carves a dramatic series of deep meanders through this portion of the Appalachian Mountains, serving as the primary corridor for regional transport at the turn of the century. The map illustrates the close proximity of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which hug the riverbanks through narrow passages like Doe Gully and around the bend at Magnolia. This industrial lifeline contrasts with the surrounding ridges such as Sideling Hill and Purslane Mountain, where small settlements like Orleans Crossroads and Bellegrove are scattered along upland roads.