1950 Map of Blackstone

About this map

Blackstone Army Air Base and the expansive Camp Pickett Military Reservation dominate this mid-century landscape at the meeting of Nottoway, Dinwiddie, and Brunswick counties. The post-war military infrastructure is highly detailed, featuring a stadium, amphitheater, and specialized training areas like the Cherry Tree Combat Range and an infiltration course. The town of Blackstone proper serves as the regional hub, connected by the Norfolk and Western railroad and supporting local institutions such as the Nottoway Training School and a ball park. Surrounding the base, the rural character remains evident through family-centric landmarks like Jones Church, Spring Hill Church, and Tree Church. Significant water features, including Birchin Lake and the Nottoway Reservoir, underscore the geographic shifts in the Virginia countryside as it balanced civilian life with large-scale defense installations.