1967 Map of Rhodell

About this map

Guyandotte River valley settlements define this industrial landscape during a period of intensive resource extraction along the border of Raleigh and Wyoming counties. The topographic data reveals a complex network of Strip Mines and Mine Dumps carved into the steep slopes of Slab Fork Ridge and Milam Ridge. Transportation was the lifeblood of these mountain communities, with the Chesapeake and Ohio and Norfolk and Western railroads following the winding river and creek beds to serve coal camps like Iroquois and Stephenson. Beyond the mining infrastructure, the map documents the social fabric of the era through sites such as the Drive-in Theater near Montecarlo and several remote churches, including Spruce Grove Ch and Barkers Ridge Ch, which served families living along the many branches of Barkers Creek.