1947 Map of Strasburg

About this map

Strasburg and the winding serpentines of the North Fork Shenandoah River anchor this mid-century portrait of the Shenandoah Valley. The landscape is defined by the massive ridge of Massanutten Mountain, which separates the two river forks and creates a natural barrier traversable only through gaps like Mudhole Gap and Duncan Gap. The map documents a sophisticated transportation network, featuring the Southern Railway and Norfolk and Western Railway alongside historical thoroughfares like the Valley Pike and the early reaches of Skyline Drive. Local life is etched into the terrain through numerous country churches such as Saint Davids Church and Zion Ch, and specialized sites like the Fish Hatchery and Goods Mill. In the secluded valleys of the George Washington National Forest, the Passage Creek corridor reveals established recreation spots like the Elizabeth Furnace Recreational Area, while the presence of a County Home near Maurertown speaks to the era’s local social infrastructure.