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1966 Map of Snowden

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of Snowden
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

The James River cuts through the steep ridges of the Blue Ridge in this mid-1960s survey, where the Chesapeake and Ohio River railroad tracks follow the northern bank through the narrow gap. The small settlement of Snowden serves as a focal point near the river's bend, while Natural Bridge Station and Greenlee occupy the northwestern corner near the Sawmill Hollow drainage. The landscape is defined by the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, which traverses high elevations at Thunder Ridge and Petites Gap, offering access to the George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest.

Local rural life is centered around landmark structures like the Gospel Tabernacle, Sharon Ch, and Hunting Creek Ch. For genealogists and local historians, several burial grounds are recorded, including Sharon Cem and Chestnut Hill Cem. The map also captures backcountry infrastructure ranging from the Balcony Falls Dam to a network of shelters along the Appalachian Trail, such as the Matts Creek Shelter and Johns Hollow Shelter.