1909 Map of Abingdon

About this map

Abingdon serves as the focal point for this Southwest Virginia region at the start of the twentieth century, where the Norfolk and Western R. R. connects timber and agricultural valley towns. The landscape is defined by the high elevations of Mt. Rogers and White Top, falling away into river valleys powered by numerous water-driven enterprises such as De Busks Mill, Vance's Mill, and Mocks Mill. Educational and social hubs appear at Emory and Henry College and the mineral waters of Washington Springs. In the northern portion of the survey, the industrial importance of Saltville stands out alongside the rural trade center at Blackwells Store. This survey captures the complex topography of the Iron Mts. and Brushy Mt. before modern infrastructure altered the traditional paths between the mountain gaps.