Loading map...

1958 Map of Thornton

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Thornton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The Tygart Valley River and the winding Baltimore and Ohio railroad corridor define the geography of Taylor County in the mid-20th century. This area is characterized by rural coal and clay extraction, evident in the numerous strip mines, kilns, and a clay pit located near Thornton. The settlement pattern follows the narrow valleys and ridges, with established communities like Blueville, Knottsville, and Evansville serving as local hubs.

Genealogists will find a wealth of community landmarks, including several family-named churches and cemeteries like Shaws Chapel, Martin Beulah Ch, and the Current Cem. The emergence of mid-century recreation is visible at Tygart Lake State Park and the local Drive-in Theater. The map also captures the complex intersection of the Taylor, Barbour, and Preston county lines, providing a clear record of jurisdictional boundaries as they existed during this era of photorevision.