{"product_id":"old-map-of-davis-west-virginia-by-usgs-1918-thomas-blackwater-river-canaan-valley","title":"Old Map of Davis, West Virginia by USGS, 1918 – Thomas, Blackwater River \u0026 Canaan Valley","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 1918 US Geological Survey topographical map titled “Davis” presents a finely detailed view of one of West Virginia’s most dramatic upland landscapes, centered on the neighboring towns of Davis and Thomas. Drawn at the practical and revealing scale of 1:62,500, it captures the region at a moment when coal, timber, rail transport, and mountain settlement were shaping the high Allegheny Plateau. Its contours describe a rugged world of ridges, ravines, and elevated valleys, while roads, waterways, and settlement marks show the human framework laid across this difficult terrain. More than a geographic record, the map is a compelling historical portrait of Tucker County and its surroundings in the early twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey, the map belongs to one of the great American cartographic enterprises of the modern era. Founded in 1879, the USGS undertook the systematic surveying of the nation’s geology, water resources, and topography, creating maps that supported mining, forestry, infrastructure, conservation, and scientific understanding. By 1918, its topographic sheets had become indispensable tools for engineers, planners, landowners, and government agencies. The “Davis” quadrangle reflects this mission with clarity and precision: elevation is translated into contour lines, drainage patterns are carefully traced, and remote mountain country is made legible without losing its complexity. It is both a technical achievement and a document of national development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe towns of Davis and Thomas occupy a particularly evocative place on the map. Situated in the highlands of West Virginia, they developed rapidly in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries around timber extraction, coal mining, and railroad connections. Thomas, in particular, became an important coal and rail town, while Davis was closely associated with the lumber industry and access to the surrounding forested plateau. On the map, these settlements appear not as isolated mountain towns, but as active nodes within a wider industrial landscape. Roads, possible rail alignments, streams, and valleys reveal the corridors through which people, timber, coal, and goods moved across the mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe physical geography shown is especially striking. The Blackwater River and its tributaries thread through a terrain of high ridges and steep-sided valleys, carving the landscape that would later become famous for its scenic drama. To the south and east lies the broader realm of Canaan Valley and the Dry Fork country, an upland basin of unusual ecological character. The dense contouring conveys the restless topography of the Allegheny Mountains: slopes fall sharply into stream courses, ridgelines rise in layered succession, and scattered peaks and uplands define the horizon. For viewers familiar with modern West Virginia, the map offers an earlier glimpse of places now associated with recreation, conservation, and natural beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a historical snapshot, the “Davis” map records a region in transition. In 1918, the forests and mountains of Tucker County were still deeply tied to extractive industry, yet the same terrain would later draw attention for its wilderness, waterfalls, ski country, and protected landscapes. The map’s topographical language—contours, waterways, roads, town symbols, and forested expanses—allows modern viewers to read both the natural structure of the land and the settlement patterns imposed upon it. It preserves the geography of a working mountain region before a century of changing land use, improved transportation, conservation efforts, and tourism altered its character. Elegant, precise, and historically resonant, it is a window into the high country of West Virginia in 1918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDavis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThomas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlackwater River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCanaan Valley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry Fork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMt. Davis or similar peaks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnnamed valleys, creeks, and small waterways\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurrounding forested areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNearby roads and railways, if depicted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHills, ridges, and other geographical features\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:62,500 topographical map dated 1918\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS is known for extensive mapping and geological work across the United States, supporting land use, conservation, and development\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses detailed contour lines to show elevation changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects the mountainous terrain of West Virginia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLikely uses early 20th-century cartographic color gradients to indicate relief and terrain features\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServes as a historical snapshot of local geography, settlement patterns, land use, and infrastructure in the early 1900s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832181690752,"sku":null,"price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832181723520,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832181756288,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832181789056,"sku":null,"price":54.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832181821824,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832181854592,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832181887360,"sku":null,"price":87.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832181920128,"sku":null,"price":193.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832181952896,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832181985664,"sku":null,"price":101.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182018432,"sku":null,"price":221.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182051200,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182083968,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182116736,"sku":null,"price":331.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182149504,"sku":null,"price":373.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182182272,"sku":null,"price":101.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182215040,"sku":null,"price":221.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182247808,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182280576,"sku":null,"price":122.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182313344,"sku":null,"price":331.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182346112,"sku":null,"price":373.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182378880,"sku":null,"price":122.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182411648,"sku":null,"price":331.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182444416,"sku":null,"price":373.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182477184,"sku":null,"price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182509952,"sku":null,"price":455.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182542720,"sku":null,"price":455.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182575488,"sku":null,"price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182608256,"sku":null,"price":455.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182641024,"sku":null,"price":455.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182673792,"sku":null,"price":228.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182706560,"sku":null,"price":1055.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182739328,"sku":null,"price":993.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182772096,"sku":null,"price":345.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182804864,"sku":null,"price":1282.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182837632,"sku":null,"price":1207.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182870400,"sku":null,"price":421.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832182903168,"sku":null,"price":1930.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832182935936,"sku":null,"price":1792.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58832182968704,"sku":null,"price":779.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58832183001472,"sku":null,"price":2723.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58832183034240,"sku":null,"price":2585.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_e0bba310-254f-41c2-ba68-8ea9a2e40a6b.jpg?v=1788272550","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.com\/products\/old-map-of-davis-west-virginia-by-usgs-1918-thomas-blackwater-river-canaan-valley","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}