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1965 Map of Radford North

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Radford North
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

The New River carves a dramatic, winding course through this section of the New River Valley, shaping the industrial and institutional character of the region during the mid-1960s. Dominating the central bend is the sprawling Radford Army Ammunition Plant, a massive installation that defines the riverfront between Belspring and Pepper. To the south, the expansion of Radford is evident, centered around Radford University and the residential growth in Fairlawn.

Away from the industrial river corridor, the landscape transitions into the high ridges of Walker Mtn and Brush Mountain. The northern reaches, protected within the Jefferson National Forest, are dotted with small rural communities and local landmarks such as McCoy, Wake Forest, and Longshop. Transportation is anchored by the Norfolk and Western rail lines, which follow the river's curves through engineering feats like the Pepper Tunnel, connecting coal and industrial interests across the county lines.