2022 Map of Laurel Bloomery

About this map

Laurel Bloomery serves as a central hub in this corner of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, where the landscape is defined by the high ridges of the Cherokee National Forest and Jefferson National Forest. The map documents a complex network of mountain drainages, including Beaverdam Cr and Laurel Cr, which have historically shaped the settlement patterns of communities like Sutherland, Damascus, and Wills. Genealogical interest is found in the scattered family burial grounds, such as Wills Cem and Cornett Cem, located along the winding valley roads. The presence of the Appalachian National Scenic Trl and unique geological landmarks like Backbone Rock highlights the area's transition from a timber-and-iron resource region to one preserved for public land use, while small hamlets such as Eureka and Shingletown reflect the legacy of early local industries.