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1926 Map of West Union

Name: 1926 Topographic Map of West Union
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1926
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1926

About this map

Middle Island Creek winds through the hills of Doddridge, Tyler, and Ritchie counties, anchoring a landscape defined by its intricate drainage and early transportation corridors. The southern portion of this 1920s-revised study reveals the industrial and transit importance of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which serves the settlements of Pennsboro, Central Station, and Duckworth. Parallel to the rail line, the Northwestern Virginia Turnpike marks a historic route across the Appalachian Plateau.

Genealogical interest is found in the dense network of rural schoolhouses, such as Camp Mistake School, Muddy Creek School, and Lobell School, which supported the isolated valley communities. Distinctive landmarks like Mole Hill and the geographic curiosity of The Jug near Middlebourne reflect the region's topographical character. Smaller settlements like Bearsville, Wilbur, and Josephs Mills provide a look at the inland trade centers that existed before the expansion of modern highways changed the local economic patterns.