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1946 Map of Block

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Block
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

The Cumberland Plateau landscape of Campbell and Scott counties reveals an intensive industrial imprint in the years following World War II. The Southern railroad line follows the narrow corridor of Cove Creek, serving coal-loading points like Block and Turley. This rugged terrain is defined by steep ridges such as Gray Mountain and Adkins Mountain, where numerous steep Incline tracks are marked, suggesting the gravity-defying transportation once required for timber or coal extraction from high-elevation mines.

Remote settlements and family-named landmarks are scattered throughout the deep hollows and gaps. Communities like Smoky Junction and Montgomery sit at the confluence of mountain forks, supported by local institutions including Antioch Ch and the Nicks Creek Sch. The geography of this era is a complex network of named peaks like Hurricane Mountain and high-altitude fields such as Jerry Fields and Nig Field, reflecting a landscape thoroughly utilized by its inhabitants despite the challenging topography.