2010 Map of Keen Mountain

About this map

The Levisa Fork cuts a deep path through this Appalachian landscape, anchoring a network of small settlements such as Grimsleyville, Keen Mountain, and Shack Mills. This 2010 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the complex topography of Buchanan County, where narrow hollows and steep ridges dictate the placement of roads and homesteads. Landmarks like the Keen Mountain Fire Tower stand on high ground, while historical routes such as Rife's Cemetery Rd and the Maxwell-Bottom Rd wind through the valleys. The map shows the region's traditional reliance on its watercourses and gaps, including Shortt Gap and Coal Gap, for transit and connectivity. Genealogists may find interest in Ward Cemetery and named gaps like Bill Young Gap, reflecting the deep familial roots and the importance of specific ridge crossings in this corner of Virginia.