1957 Map of Norton

About this map

Norton and Big Stone Gap anchor this mid-century survey of the Virginia coalfields, showing a landscape defined by industrial extraction and deep mountain topography. The Powell River winds through the heart of the region, flanked by the Interstate RR and Southern Ry, which served the numerous strip mines and coke ovens dotting the ridges. The map reveals the intricate social geography of Wise County, from established settlements like Dorchester and Josephine to numerous family cemeteries including Stidham Cem, Marcum Cem, and Wampler Cem. This era of documentation shows the extensive reach of the Jefferson National Forest across Stone Mountain, contrasting the protected woodlands with the intensive resource work visible at Dunbar and Stonega. The detailed terrain mapping highlights natural passages like Little Stone Gap and Buffalo Gap, which dictated the early movement of people and industry through the Powell Valley.