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1920 Map of Boykins

Name: 1920 Topographic Map of Boykins
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1920
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1920

About this map

Southampton County land use in the late 1910s centers on the fertile but difficult drainages of the Nottoway River and Meherrin River. These river systems are bordered by expansive wetlands like Assamoosick Swamp and Tarrara Swamp, which dictated the layout of early rural roads and rail lines. The Southern Railway and Seaboard Air Line provide the primary infrastructure for agricultural transport, linking the settlements of Newsoms, Boykins, and the county seat of Courtland.

The landscape is dotted with small-scale industry and community hubs, including Smiths Mill and Windhams Mill. Local genealogy is well-represented through numerous family-named institutions such as the Mike Everett School, Parker Chapel, and the Tavern School. Crossing points like Harts Bridge and Boons Bridge identify critical historic river fords that connected these Virginia communities to the neighboring North Carolina borderlands.