1891 Map of Pocahontas

The landscape is characterized by high, enclosed basins and narrow valleys, most notably the unique circular formation of Burks Garden. Local commerce and community life are marked by several small settlements and landmarks such as Concord Church, Shawvers Mill, and Falls Mills. Small family-named peaks and gaps, including U.Peery and Peeled Chestnut Gap, suggest the early settlement patterns of Mercer, Tazewell, and Bland counties before the expansion of deep-shaft coal mining redefined the area's economy.