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1959 Map of Rural Retreat

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Rural Retreat
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Rural Retreat serves as a central hub on this mid-century survey, positioned along the Norfolk and Western rail line and the Lee Highway. The landscape is defined by the parallel ridges of Walker Mountain and Brushy Mountain, which separate the Rich Valley from the Kimberlin Valley. Higher elevations are preserved within the Jefferson National Forest, where the Appalachian Trail traverses the southwestern ridges near Little Brushy Mountain.

Industrial and transport infrastructure is evident in the transition from traditional farming to modern aviation at the Mountain Empire Airport near Grosclose. Rural life is marked by numerous family-named landmarks and local centers such as Staley Crossroads, Murpheyville, and Blacklick. Local genealogists will find several burial sites, including the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cem and Foglesong Cem, alongside historic congregations like Bethany Ch and Kimberlin Ch.