2019 Map of Wharton

About this map

Pond Fork carves a deep path through Boone County, serving as the primary corridor for a series of mountain settlements connected by Pond Fork Rd. This 2019 survey captures the tight-knit geography of the Coal River valley, where towns like Marthatown, Van, and Wharton cling to the narrow valley floors beneath heights like Cook Mtn. The map reveals a landscape defined by its hollows and branches, such as Duck Brown Hollow and Indian Hollow, which have dictated local development for generations. Genealogical interest is high given the inclusion of several family and community burial sites, including the Middle Ferrell Cem near Marnie and the Hatfield Cem south of Pondeo. The infrastructure here reflects both the rugged topography and the importance of transportation, exemplified by the Thom Cline Memorial Bridge crossing at Van.