Early map making focus of Sept. 26 program

Two Nelson County historical map makers and an expert from Lynchburg on 18th century surveying and map making will be at Oakland –– The Nelson County Museum of History from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 to give presentations on early surveying and mapping in Central Virginia.

Allen Hale, of Shipman, who has created maps of the old Stage Road and Nelson County in the late 19th century, will demonstrate surveying equipment and techniques used in the early settlement of Central Virginia.

Michael Crabill, of Lovingston, will display and describe how he created his map of Nelson County land grants.

W. Scott Smith, of Lynchburg, whose ancestry includes a number of surveyors, including his seventh great-grandfather, William Cabell, one of the original settlers of Nelson County, will talk about historic surveying and mapmaking. He is a member of the Department of the Geographer to the Army, a Revolutionary War living history group focused on surveying and mapmaking.

A number of old maps of the area, including an 1832 map of the Tye River-Blue Ridge Turnpike, will be displayed, The public will be invited to identify names of forgotten landmarks and communities on a large topographical map of the county. The public is also invited to bring old maps and surveys to display.

Admission to Oakland is $5. Nelson County High School students will be admitted free. Oakland is on U.S. 29 about five miles south of Lovingston and one mile north of Colleen. Displays will open at 1 p.m.