1976 Map of Saint Albans

About this map

The Kanawha River serves as the dominant industrial and geographical corridor in this orthophotograph, a specialized map type that combines the visual detail of aerial photography with the precision of topographic surveying. Captured in the mid-1970s, the imagery reveals the dense development of Saint Albans and the sprawling industrial footprints in Nitro and Institute. These settlements developed along the valley floor, constrained by the steep, wooded hillsides that rise sharply from the riverbanks. To the north, the winding course of the Pocatalico River meets the Kanawha near the community of Poca. Smaller settlements like Black Betsey and Flatwoods are visible on the periphery, illustrating the transition from heavy industry to more rural landscapes during this era. The level of detail allows for a direct observation of land use, from residential neighborhoods to large-scale chemical and manufacturing facilities.