1957 Map of Bluefield

About this map

New River waters cut through the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, defining a region shaped by high ridges and coal-rich valleys during the mid-20th century. The intricate rail networks of the Norfolk and Western Ry, Chesapeake and Ohio Ry, and Virginian Ry follow these narrow corridors, connecting industrial hubs like Bluefield and Beckley to the wider world. The landscape is marked by substantial public lands, including the Jefferson National Forest and Bluestone State Park, which buffer the growing population centers of Radford, Pulaski, and the university town of Blacksburg. Major engineering projects are evident in the impoundments of Bluestone Lake and Claytor Lake, which transformed the ancient river's flow. This era shows the early integration of Interstate 81 alongside established routes like U.S. 460, reflecting a transition toward modern highway travel through the Blue Ridge.