1935 Map of Olinger

About this map

Big Stone Gap serves as the focal point of this 1935 survey, situated at the confluence of the Powell River near Three Forks Island. The landscape is dominated by a series of parallel ridges, including Stone Mountain and Wallen Ridge, which dictate the placement of transportation routes and small mountain settlements. This era shows a heavy reliance on the Southern Railway and the Louisville and Nashville River lines, which snake through narrow gaps like Olinger Gap to serve coal interests such as Stonega Coal No 27. Cultural life is marked by numerous country schools and churches, such as Seminary Sch, Robinette Chapel, and the County Line Sch on the border of Lee and Scott counties. The map captures the industrial and social infrastructure of the Appalachian coal country before modern highway expansion altered these valley corridors.