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1946 Map of Swatara Hill

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Swatara Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1946
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1946

About this map

Second Mountain and Sharp Mountain dominate the topography of this mid-century survey, defining the parallel ridgelines that channel the Little Swatara Creek and its tributaries. The landscape is a study in transition, where small agricultural settlements like Roedersville and Deturksville sit nestled between the wooded slopes. The southern border follows the Schuylkill Co Berks Co line along the crest of Blue Mountain, where the Appalachian Trail traces the high ground.

Industrial history is visible in the corridor of the Reading (Abandoned) railroad, which once served the valley floor. Rural community life is anchored by a dense network of local landmarks, including the Manbeck Cem, Salem Ch, and numerous one-room schoolhouses such as Flat Hill Sch and Fidler Sch. The presence of the YWCA Camp near Sweet Arrow Lake suggests the area's development as a recreational retreat for the surrounding coal region.