1953 Map of Toano

About this map

The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad corridor anchors this mid-century portrait of the Virginia Peninsula, following the ridgeline through Toano and passing Branch Siding. The landscape is defined by the transition from the tidewater flats of the York River to a series of wooded drainages including Bird Swamp, Wahrani Swamp, and Richardson Swamp. This 1953 reprint of an earlier military edition reflects the rural character of the region shortly after World War II, showing a network of small settlements like Barhamsville and Holly Forks connected by established routes like the Pocahontas Trail. Local history is preserved through the mapping of numerous community landmarks, most notably the Hickory Neck Church and St Johns Church, alongside family-named markers such as Bock Cem. The map provides a detailed view of the infrastructure of James City and New Kent counties before modern interstate development altered the traditional road patterns.