1976 Map of Stickleyville

About this map

Stickleyville and the surrounding Lee County settlements are defined by the dramatic linear geology of southwestern Virginia, where agricultural clearings are confined to narrow valleys between forested heights. This 1976 orthophotograph reveals the distinct topographical constraints of the region, as the massive spine of Wallen Ridge separates the watershed of the Powell River from the tributaries of the North Fork Clinch River. Small communities like Dot, Canton, and Fairview follow the watercourses, while the high point at Buzzard Roost overlooks the rugged landscape. The map shows the established transportation corridors that utilize these natural gaps, including the Station railroad line and the winding roads following Wallen Creek, illustrating how the physical environment dictated the placement of early Virginia mountain homesteads and road networks.