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Geology of the Ohio River Valley in WV
From Historic Maps Published By The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey
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The Publication
On December 1, 1956 the WV Geological Survey published this report on the geology and economic resources of the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia including the Little Kanawha River Valley. Following is the transmittal letter from then State Geologist Paul H. Price to William C. Marland Governor and President, Geological and Economic Survey Commission.
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Letter of Transmittal
The Maps
Part of the volume is a series of maps
- Map I is a special strip map of the area adjacent to the Ohio River which was prepared to aid in the general study of geological features and the geography of the area. Its unconventional orientation was adopted in order to make it possible to print the entire map on a narrow strip of paper for convenience in handling. The map is drawn to scale except for the the Ohio River itself and the lower courses of the principle tributaries. These have been exaggerated to four times normal width. The disproportionate representation of the actual size of the river and major tributaries required some modification of the land area, especially in the sharper bends in the course of the river. All other features on Map I have been drafted as nearly accurately as available information and scale of the map would allow.
- Map II (Sheets 1, 2, and 3) - This map was too large to be printed on one sheet, so three sheets were made which can be fitted together. The legend is exactly the same for all three sheets. The various types of geology and geographic information and the principal cultural features (roads, towns, dams, tunnels, etc.) are shown by various colors, line patterns, and symbols. A supplemental index to special features is contained in the Appendixes. This includes names, brief descriptions of or information about archeological sites, historical points, state institutions, factories, industrial plants, state parks, recreation areas, game preserves, geological sections, geologic interest points, oil and gas fields, and other features.
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Map I
This map depicts the entire Ohio River Valley at a scale of 1:250,000.
Using the map navigation tools will allow you to explore the entire map
Clicking on a point displays additional information
Map II Sheet 1
This map depicts the Ohio River Valley from the top of the northern panhandle downstream to Mills Creek Island at a scale of 1:125,000.
Using the map navigation tools will allow you to explore the entire map
Clicking on a point displays additional information
In addition to geology, economic resources were another focus of the publication, one of those being the locations of factories and heavy industries.
Map II Sheet 2
This map depicts the Ohio River Valley from Mills Creek Island downstream to Great Bend in the Ohio River and includes the Little Kanawha River Valley at a scale of 1:125,000.
Using the map navigation tools will allow you to explore the entire map
Clicking on a point displays additional information
Map II Sheet 3
This map depicts the Ohio River Valley from Great Bend in the Ohio River downstream to the mouth of the Big Sandy River at a scale of 1:125,000.
Using the map navigation tools will allow you to explore the entire map
Clicking on a point displays additional information
If you enjoyed this tour you might want to explore some of our other maps in the collection