1981 Map of Bluefield

About this map

Bluefield and the surrounding coalfields of West Virginia and Virginia are shown at a peak of industrial and regional connectivity. The landscape is defined by the sharp, linear ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, including Rich Mountain and East River Mountain, which separate the deep mining valleys of McDowell County from the agricultural valleys of Tazewell County. The complex rail network of the Norfolk and Western RR winds through tight corridors to serve coal-producing centers like Welch, Gary, and the historic mining town of Pocahontas. Notable cultural and educational anchors like Southwest Virginia Community College and Bluefield College sit alongside large-scale transportation infrastructure like Interstate 77. The unique geological bowl of Burkes Garden stands out as a distinct high-elevation valley, while public lands like Panther State Forest and Jefferson National Forest cover the most prominent ridges.