1957 Map of West Hamlin

About this map

The Guyandotte River carves a winding path through this 1950s landscape, serving as the primary corridor for the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad and connecting the communities of Salt Rock and West Hamlin. This era in Lincoln and Cabell counties is defined by a dense network of family and community landmarks, particularly country schools like Ousleys Gap Sch and Balls Gap Sch that anchored local ridges and hollows. Numerous gas wells, marked throughout the terrain, indicate the region's active energy extraction during the mid-century. Away from the river, the map reveals a interior of small settlements such as Inez and Roach, alongside historic rural congregations including the Friendly United Ch and Welcome Home Ch. The presence of several family-named burial grounds like Triplett Cem and Sloan Cem provides significant detail for genealogists tracing local lineage.