1957 Map of Norton

About this map

Norton and Big Stone Gap anchor this mid-century look at the coal-rich landscape of Wise County, where industrial infrastructure dominates the rugged topography of Little Stone Mountain. The region's economy is clearly defined by numerous strip mines, conveyors, and coke ovens that line the Powell River corridor. The dense settlement patterns of mining camps are evident in the numbered clusters of Stonega, Stonega 81, and Stonega 125, which were purpose-built near the extractive operations. Transport networks like the Louisville and Nashville railroad and Interstate 23 link these production centers. Cultural life is marked by community hubs such as the Lonesome Pine Country Club and Legion Memorial Church, alongside a significant concentration of family burial grounds like the Wampler and Treadway cemeteries, reflecting deep-rooted generational ties to these mountain hollows.