1938 Map of Laurel Bloomery

About this map

Iron Mountains and Holston Mountain dominate this landscape, where the borders of Tennessee and Virginia meet within the Jefferson National Forest and Cherokee National Forest. The settlement at Laurel Bloomery serves as a primary focal point, anchored by the Pleasant Home Ch. and nearby Gentry. The terrain is characterized by a dense network of hollows and ridges, such as Red Fox Ridge and Dark Hollow, illustrating the typical mountain community distribution of the late 1930s. Education and local heritage are marked by several rural schoolhouses including Sutherland Sch, Fairview Sch, and Atehison Sch. Geographic landmarks like Backbone Rock and Lowe Cave further define the area, while the Appalachian Trail winds across the high ridges. This map captures a moment before major modern development, reflecting a reliance on the local creek systems like Beaverdam Creek and Laurel Creek.