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2011 Map of Prater

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Prater
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Prater and the surrounding Appalachian landscape of Buchanan County are defined by a complex network of narrow hollows and high ridges that shaped the region's development. Small settlements like Leemaster, Cannady, and Vicey follow the winding paths of watercourses such as Russell Prater Creek and Greenbrier Creek. Family heritage is deeply etched into the geography through numerous burial sites, including the Owens Cemetery, Viers Cemetery, and O'Quinn Cemetery.

Evidence of local industry and transportation infrastructure is present in the northeast with the Grundy Municipal Airport and various secondary routes like SR 737. Distinctive topographical features such as Lovers Gap, Pawpaw Gap, and Rakes Ridge illustrate the challenging terrain that necessitated the concentrated settlement patterns seen at Johnson Flats and Colley. The map also details specific local hollows like Raines School Holw and Boyd Holw, providing a precise look at the rural communities and family homesteads of this coal-country region in the early 21st century.