1903 Map of Rural Valley

About this map

Mahoning Creek and Red Bank Creek wind deeply through the dissected plateau of Armstrong County at the opening of the twentieth century, their valleys serving as the primary corridors for early industry and transport. Evidence of the region’s iron heritage is clear in the locations of Pine Furnace, Mahoning Furnace, and Mccrea Furnace, marking sites where local resources were processed before the industry shifted elsewhere. The western edge of the map follows the Allegheny River, showing the importance of riverfront hubs like Templeton and Mosgrove during this era of intensive rail expansion.