1967 Map of Peaks Of Otter

About this map

Sharp Top Mtn and Flat Top Mtn dominate this 1967 survey of the Peaks of Otter region, where the Blue Ridge high country descends into the agricultural valleys of Bedford County. The landscape is defined by the intersection of high-altitude recreation and traditional water-powered industry. While the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail trace the ridges through the Jefferson National Forest, the lower elevations show a concentrated network of early mills. The Big Otter River and its tributaries supported several localized operations, including Kelso Mill, Peaks Mill, and Big Otter Mill. Religious life is well-documented through a series of rural sanctuaries such as Laurel Grove Ch, Antioch Ch, and Salem Ch, providing essential reference points for genealogists tracing family roots in this corner of the Commonwealth.