1970 Map of Point Of Rocks

About this map

Potomac River waters divide Maryland and Virginia as they flow past the prominent ridge of Catoctin Mtn and Furnace Mtn. This landscape is defined by the narrow corridor where the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal parallel the river, converging at Washington Junction near the town of Point of Rocks. The settlement pattern reflects an established agricultural and rail-oriented economy, from the rail hub of Brunswick to smaller communities like Petersville and Slabtown. Local history is preserved in rural landmarks such as Valley Sch, Bells Mill, and several crossroads houses of worship including St Marks Ch and Union Bethel Ch. To the south in Virginia, the terrain remains largely rural around Taylorstown, while the Maryland side shows the prominence of early infrastructure like the Old Railroad Grade and the historic canal lock near Lander.