1892 Map of Prestonsburg

About this map

The Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River serves as the central artery for this 1892 survey of Eastern Kentucky, anchoring a network of narrow valleys and ridges. Two primary regional centers, Prestonburg and Paintsville, dominate the river corridor, while the eastern edge is defined by the Tug Fork along the West Virginia border. This era precedes the massive industrial scale of later mining, yet the map clearly labels Peach Orchard and Peach Orchard Creek, early centers of the region's coal industry. The landscape is dotted with small, family-centric settlements such as Eden (Inez P.O.), Richardson, and Laynesville. Researchers can trace the winding paths of Beaver Creek and Johns Creek, which were vital corridors for early commerce and travel between the steep ridges of Floyd, Johnson, and Martin counties.