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1946 Map of Rose Hill

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Rose Hill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The Kentucky Virginia Divide follows the crest of Cumberland Mountain, forming a high natural border between Harlan and Lee counties. Below this massive ridge, the terrain transitions into the valley floors of Poor Valley Ridge, where the Louisville and Nashville railroad links small rail-side communities like Rose Hill and Hagan. This era shows a landscape deeply defined by family-named landmarks and rural institutions, from High Top Sch to a high density of country churches such as Speaks Chapel and Enon Ch.

Resource extraction and local industry are evidenced by a Strip Mine in the north and several old mills like Edds Mill and Carrol Mill along the southern creek branches. The presence of the State Fish Hatchery near Sampson and the historic route of the Boone Trail further illustrate how the natural topography dictated the movement of people and the placement of early settlements in this part of southwestern Virginia.