Bench Marks in Pocahontas County

 

Purpose and Utility of Bench Marks

The "Appendix - Levels and Gazetteer" in the source material describes "Bench Marks," which are permanent markers used by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to establish and record precise elevations. These elevations are crucial for a variety of purposes, including:

• Mapping: Bench marks provide a network of known elevations, allowing for the creation of accurate topographic maps.
• Engineering Projects: Engineers rely on bench marks to determine elevations for construction projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Scientific Research: Scientists use bench marks to monitor changes in land elevation over time, which can be caused by factors such as erosion, earthquakes, and land subsidence.

The utility of bench marks stems from their accuracy and permanence. The source material states that the allowable level of error for primary bench marks is 0.05 times the square root of D, where D is the distance in miles between two bench marks. This means that bench marks are highly precise, especially when they are located close together.

The permanence of bench marks is also essential for their utility. They are typically made of durable materials such as bronze or copper and are set in solid rock or concrete. This ensures that they can withstand the elements and remain in place for many years, allowing for consistent elevation measurements over time.

The "Appendix - Levels and Gazetteer" provides detailed descriptions of the location and elevation of numerous bench marks in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. This information is valuable for anyone who needs to determine precise elevations in the area, such as surveyors, engineers, and scientists.

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 Here are some bench marks from the sources:

• Boyer Station: Located in the Cass Quadrangle, on the Durbin Branch of the Western Maryland Railway.
• Dogway: Several bench marks are listed near Dogway, with distances and directions from the railroad track.
• Nida: A series of bench marks are documented along a stretch of railroad, including one "in front of station-sign, end of tie marked 'U. S. B. M. 2,564.7.'"
• Wanless Station: Two bench marks are noted at Wanless Station, one at the east end of the station and another 1.07 miles southwest.
• Cass: Bench marks are listed near Cass, including one at the northeast end of a west bridge seat of mile post W 82.
• Deer Creek: Two bench marks are found near Deer Creek, one at mile post "2417" and the other in front of the station.
• Raywood: Multiple bench marks are listed in Raywood, often associated with the telegraph-pole.
• Sillington: Bench marks are found in Sillington, including one "in top of concrete walk around station, east side of track."
• Stony Bottom: Several bench marks are mentioned in Stony Bottom, with their positions relative to the railroad track and mile posts.
• Clover Lick: Bench marks are described in Clover Lick, including one "on west face of ledge rock, 630 feet south of Sta. 71, on top of ledge."
• Big Run: Bench marks are found along Big Run, often near mile posts and specific landmarks like a "chisseled square, in top of south rail-post."
• Spruce: Bench marks are located around Spruce, with references to the Post-Office, a switch, and distances from the track.
• Top of Allegheny: Two bench marks are described at the Top of Allegheny, with precise measurements from a 10-inch oak tree.
• Oak Hill School: A number of bench marks are documented near Oak Hill School, often referencing road crossings, trees, and specific distances.
• Wesley Chapel: Several bench marks are listed near Wesley Chapel, including one "in lower northeast corner of entrance to church."
• Pine School: Bench marks are found near Pine School, one of which is "in top of concrete post."
• Frost: Bench marks are located in Frost, including one "on east edge of road, in root of 28-inch oak tree."
• Knapp Creek: A bench mark is noted at Knapp Creek, "at base of concrete parapet wall over southwest corner of bridge."
• Boyer Station (on Durbin Branch): Two bench marks are listed for Boyer Station, one "in front of station" and another 0.65 miles southeast.
• Clover Lick: A bench mark is described as being 2.74 miles northwest of Boyer Station, "on west side of Clover Lick Creek."
• Beulah: A bench mark is located 2.83 miles southwest of Maryland, "on west edge of Western Maryland Railway."
• Wildell: Multiple bench marks are documented in Wildell, often near the station and the railroad track.
• May: A series of bench marks are listed along the railroad track in May, with specific distances and references to curves and mile posts.
• Olive: Bench marks are found in Olive, including one "1.59 miles north of east side of track, on top face of large ledge of rock."
• Durbin: Bench marks are located around Durbin, with references to Greenbrier River and the Western Maryland Railway.
• Bartow: Bench marks are listed in Bartow, including one "800 feet west of station, at crossing of railroad and highway."
• Durbin: A bench mark is described as being in the center of Durbin, "in south along Western Maryland Railroad into Durbin."
• Cheat Bridge P. O.: A number of bench marks are listed along a route from Cheat Bridge P. O. to Huttonsville, with distances and specific features noted.
• Spruce P. O.: Bench marks are documented along a route from Spruce P. O., with distances and descriptions of their locations relative to the track and mile posts.
• Bartow: A bench mark is described in the Hight own Quadrangle, 7.75 miles southwest of Spruce Knob, "at sharp turn in highway."
• Locust P. O. (Spice Run): Several bench marks are listed near Locust P. O. (Spice Run), primarily along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.
• Williamsburg: A bench mark is found 3.2 miles northeast of Friar Hill, "in root of 12-inch jack oak, 2 feet south of crossroads."
• Friar Hill: Bench marks are located on Friar Hill, including one "in southwest corner of road fork."
• Renick: A bench mark is documented 2.9 miles northwest of Friar Hill, "in corner of large flat field."
• Trout P. O.: Several bench marks are described along a route from Trout P. O. north along highway to Manning Knob.
• Richwood: Multiple bench marks are listed in Richwood, often associated with specific distances from the town center and features like a "large camping ground" and a "36-inch sugar maple tree."
• Richwood: Bench marks are documented near Richwood, with references to a bridge, Cunningham's house, and an old grade.
• Hillsboro: Bench marks are listed along a route from Marlinton Quadrangle along highways west to Lobelia, including several in Hillsboro.
• Lobelia: Numerous bench marks are recorded in Lobelia, with detailed descriptions of their locations relative to roads, trees, and other landmarks.
• Jacob: Bench marks are found in Jacob, including one "at west elevation of 29 feet."
• Boggs Run (School): Bench marks are listed near Boggs Run School, with specific distances and features like a "large boulder" and a "maple tree."
• Sugar Grove School: Bench marks are documented near Sugar Grove School, with references to road crossings, a large limestone boulder, and a hill.
• Dry Run: A bench mark is located in Mr. Bearden's yard, 0.97 miles south of Sugar Grove School.
• Lobelia: A series of bench marks are described along a route from Lobelia northwest along highways.
• Sue P. O. (Spice Run): Bench marks are found near Sue P. O. (Spice Run), including one "on southeast edge of trail, in root of small chestnut oak."
• Locust P. O. (Spice Run): A bench mark is documented at Locust P. O. (Spice Run), "in ledge coping."
• Augusta: Bench marks are listed in Augusta, with references to a bridge and Knapp.
• Marlinton: Numerous bench marks are documented in Marlinton, with specific distances and locations relative to the railroad track, station, and other landmarks.
• Stillovel: Bench marks are found in Stillwell, including one "1 mile northwest of milepost W 54."
• Buckeye: Several bench marks are listed in Buckeye, with distances from the railroad track and descriptions of their positions on rocks or ledges.
• Violet: A bench mark is located in Violet, "in front of station."
• Watoga: Bench marks are documented inatoga, with references to the railroad and a trestle.
• Seebert: Several bench marks are listed in Seebert, often near the railroad track and mile posts.
• Kennison: Bench marks are found in Kennison, including one "70 feet east of Burnside, south of railroad trestle."
• Burnside: A bench mark is located "in front of station."
• Mill Run: Bench marks are documented at Mill Run, including one "1.17 miles southeast of 6.43 mile north of Denmar."
• Denmar: Bench marks are listed in Denmar, with references to the railroad, a concrete block, and Beard Station.
• Locust Run: Bench marks are found in Locust Run, with descriptions of their locations relative to the station and Spice Run.
• Spice Run (Locust P. O.): Two bench marks are listed for Spice Run (Locust P. O.), one "100 feet southwest of station" and another 0.99 miles southwest.
• Trainer P. O.: Multiple bench marks are documented along a route from Spice Run (Locust P. O.) southwest along highway down Trainer P. O.
• Marlinton: Numerous bench marks are listed along a route from Marlinton southwest along highways into Warm Springs.
• Seebert: Bench marks are found in Seebert, with references to Pleasant Grove School and Hillsboro.
• Marlinton: A bench mark is documented in Marlinton, "950 feet west of railroad, 50 feet south of concrete culvert."
• Edray: Multiple bench marks are listed along a route from Marlinton north along highways to Slaty Fork P. O.
• Slaty Fork P. O.: Several bench marks are described near Slaty Fork P. O., with references to Luther D. Sharp's store, Red Lick Mountain, and Crooked Fork School.
• Woodrow: Bench marks are documented along a route from Edray west along highways to Williams River, including many in Woodrow.
• Linwood: Numerous bench marks are listed along a route from Woodrow west along highways to Mingo.
• Linwood (Cass Quadrangle): A bench mark is located "500 feet west of post-office."
• Linwood: Multiple bench marks are documented along a route from Linwood southeast along highways to near Clover Lick.
• Big Run: A series of bench marks are described along a route from Cass Quadrangle southwest along Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad into Marlinton Quadrangle.
• Circleville: Bench marks are found along a route from Circleville, with references to Dry Run P. O. and specific landmarks.
• Dry Run P. O.: Bench marks are listed near Dry Run P. O., including one "249 miles south, on forks of road at Weimer's blacksmith shop."
• Horton: Bench marks are documented along a route from Horton, with references to Osceola and specific distances from the railroad track.
• Thornwood P. O. (Winterburn Station): Numerous bench marks are listed near Thornwood P. O. (Winterburn Station), with detailed descriptions of their locations relative to trees, road forks, and other features.
• Osceola: Multiple bench marks are documented in Osceola, often near the railroad and with specific distances from landmarks like C. Lance's dwelling and Osceola School.
• Bartow: A bench mark is located "1.08 miles southeast of southwest corner of Durbin Quadrangle in Barlow."
• Circleville: A series of bench marks are described along a route from Circleville, with specific distances and references to Spruce Triangulation Station and Fire Lookout.
• Frost: Bench marks are documented along a route from Cass Quadrangle southwest along highways through west part of quadrant into southeast part of Marlinton Quadrangle.
• Minnehaha Springs: Bench marks are listed near Minnehaha Springs, including one "0.70 mile south of, in front of post-office."
• Rimel: Multiple bench marks are found in Rimel, often near road forks and with references to specific trees.
• Trainer Post-Office: A bench mark is documented "3.83 miles northeast of, on north edge of Huntersville, Marlinton Highway."
• Huntersville: Bench marks are listed along a route from Huntersville, Marlinton Highway to Minnehaha Springs.

These bench marks serve as a network of known elevations, valuable for mapping, engineering, and scientific research. They are typically made of durable materials like bronze or copper and set in solid rock or concrete to ensure permanence. The "Appendix - Levels and Gazetteer" provides detailed information about their location and elevation, allowing for precise measurements over time.

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Bench Marks: Meaning and Purpose

In the context of the provided sources, a "bench mark" (B.M.) is a point of precisely known elevation marked with a durable material. These marks are established by the United States Geological Survey and are used as reference points for measuring and mapping the topography of an area.

The purpose of each bench mark is:

• To provide a network of known elevations: Bench marks create a system of accurately measured points across the landscape, which is essential for:

  • Mapping: Creating accurate topographic maps that show the elevation and relief of the land.
  • Engineering projects: Planning and constructing roads, bridges, and other structures that require precise elevation data.
  • Scientific research: Studying changes in land elevation over time, such as those caused by geological processes or human activities.

• To ensure permanence and accuracy: Bench marks are typically made of durable materials like bronze or copper and are set in solid rock or concrete to prevent movement and ensure their long-term stability.

The "Appendix - Levels and Gazetteer" in the sources provides a detailed record of these bench marks, including their:

• Location: Each bench mark is described in terms of its distance and direction from prominent features like railroad tracks, mile posts, roads, streams, and buildings.
• Elevation: The precise elevation of each bench mark is recorded in feet.
• Description: Some entries include additional details about the type of marker, such as a "bronze tablet" or a "chiseled square" on a rock.

This meticulous documentation allows for the use of bench marks as reliable reference points for various applications that require accurate elevation data.

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Here is a step-by-step description of how a "bench mark" is created, based on the information provided in the sources:

Creating a Bench Mark

• Determine the location: The first step is to choose a suitable location for the bench mark. This location should be:

  • Stable and Permanent: The benchmark needs to be placed on a solid foundation that will not move or shift over time. Ideal locations include large rocks, ledges, or solid bedrock.
  • Accessible: It should be relatively easy for surveyors to access the bench mark for future measurements.
  • Visible but Protected: The bench mark should be visible enough to be found but also protected from accidental damage or vandalism.

• Set the Mark: Once the location is chosen, the actual bench mark is set. This can be done in a few ways:

  • Bronze or Copper Tablets: These tablets are typically embedded in concrete or rock and stamped with the elevation and other identifying information.
  • Chiseled Squares: A square can be chiseled into a rock or concrete surface to mark the point.
  • Copper Nails and Washers: These are sometimes used in conjunction with chiseled squares or on other suitable surfaces.

• Determine Elevation: The most crucial step is to accurately determine the elevation of the bench mark. This is done using precise surveying techniques, typically involving:

  • Leveling: Surveyors use a leveling instrument and a graduated rod to measure the difference in elevation between the bench mark and a known point of elevation.
  • Double-Rodded Lines: The sources mention the use of "double-rodded lines" for primary levels. This technique involves two rod readings at each instrument setup to minimize errors and ensure highly accurate measurements.

• Record the Information: Once the elevation is determined, the information about the bench mark is carefully recorded. This includes:

  • Location: A detailed description of the location, often referencing nearby landmarks, distances from features, and directions.
  • Elevation: The precise elevation in feet above a specific datum, such as mean sea level.
  • Description of Mark: The type of mark used and its condition.

• Publish the Data: The information about the bench mark is then published in a gazetteer or other official document, making it available to other surveyors and the public.

The sources emphasize the importance of accuracy and permanence in the creation of bench marks. These points are crucial for their use as reliable reference points for various mapping and engineering projects.

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