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1933 Map of Roanoke

Name: 1933 Topographic Map of Roanoke
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1945
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1945

About this map

The Roanoke rail hub and industrial center serves as the anchor for this 1930s landscape, where the Norfolk and Western and Virginian railroads converge along the Roanoke River. The map captures a detailed transition from the dense urban grid of the city and Vinton to the agricultural valleys of Botetourt County. To the north, Hollins College stands near the base of Tinker Mountain, while the Lee Highway traces a historic route through settlements like Troutville and Cloverdale.

A network of rural institutions, including Woodland Sch and Trinity Ch, reflects the decentralized community structure of the era before mid-century school consolidation. The terrain is defined by the prominent Blue Ridge and the Jefferson National Forest, with topographic details marking the deep hollows and high points like Fullhardt Knob. These features, combined with named landmarks like Camp Bethel and the Roanoke Reservoir, provide a comprehensive view of the region's geography and development.