1958 Map of Thornton

About this map

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad corridor through the northern sections of this survey serves as the primary artery for transportation and industry, connecting communities like Thornton and Blueville. Along this rail line and the parallel George Washington Highway, the landscape reveals an active industrial history evidenced by Kilns, a Clay Pit, and several Strip Mine operations. The rural character of Taylor County is further defined by a dense network of country churches, including Bethany Ch, Wesley Chapel, and the Knottsville-Wesleyan Ch. To the south, the Tygart Valley River flows into the Tygart Lake State Park Reservoir, creating a significant water feature that dominates the southern boundary. This map captures the region during a period of transition, where small settlements such as Knottsville and Hiram remained centered around local faith and small-scale extractive industries.