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1894 Map of Abingdon

Name: 1894 Topographic Map of Abingdon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1899
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1899

About this map

Abingdon and the surrounding highlands of Southwest Virginia appear here at the close of the nineteenth century, defined by a landscape of parallel ridges and the winding forks of the Holston River. The Norfolk and Western R. R. serves as the primary artery for the region, connecting established settlements like Marion and Glade Springs with agricultural and industrial hubs. Significant landmarks of educational and commercial importance include Emory and Henry College and various rural outposts like Blackwell's Store.

The map details the transition from the Iron Mountains in the south toward the coal-rich vicinity of the Clinch River to the north. Resource extraction and local processing are evident through features such as the salt works at Saltville and numerous water-powered sites including Vance's Mill, Wilcox's Mill, and Holstein Mill. This topography reveals how early transportation followed natural gaps like Lyon Gap and Hayter Gap to navigate the daunting Walker Mountains.