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1957 Map of Norton

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Norton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1992
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1992

About this map

Stone Mountain and the Powell Valley anchor this mid-century topographic survey of the coal-producing regions near Norton. The map illustrates a landscape shaped by industrial extraction, where extensive Strip mines cover the high ridges of Rogers Ridge and Riser Ridge above traditional company settlements like Dunbar and Stonega. This era shows the mature rail infrastructure necessary for the coal trade, including the Interstate RR and L & N RR which converge at Dorchester Junction.

Genealogical interest is particularly high due to the density of family burial grounds and rural congregations. Small cemeteries like Stidham Cem and Caneipatch Cem are scattered across the hollows, while landmarks such as the Stonega Lookout Tower and Lonesome Pine Country Club reflect the social and protective infrastructure of the mid-1950s. The northern reaches of Big Stone Gap appear at the base of the valley, while the Jefferson National Forest provides a backdrop to the sprawling mining operations.