1958 Map of Atkins

About this map

The Norfolk and Western railway corridor and the Lee Highway anchor the northern valley of this Smyth County landscape, where the settlement of Atkins serves as a primary hub. The terrain is defined by the massive ridges of Chestnut Mountain and Locust Mountain, creating a natural barrier between the northern settlements and the southern drainage of the South Fork Holston River. Here, near Sugar Grove, the map documents a distinct rural economy represented by Roberts Mill and the State Fish Hatchery. Genealogists will find a high density of family burial grounds throughout the hollows, including Marchant Cem, Kessling Cem, and Wassum Cem. The map also captures specialized land use within the Jefferson National Forest, ranging from a Saltpeter Cave to various strip mines and a quarry, reflecting both the natural resources and the industrial attempts to harvest them during the mid-20th century.