1992 Map of Vales Mills

About this map

Raccoon Creek winds through a landscape of narrow hollows and high ridges in Vinton County, following a path that supported early milling sites like Vales Mills and Bolins Mills. The terrain is characterized by prominent elevations such as Knox Ridge and Union Ridge, which served as the logical paths for early roadways and small community centers. Genealogists will find a wealth of family-named landmarks and rural institutions, including Harkins Chapel, Putnam Chapel, and the Wilton Sch. The map also captures the industrial footprint of the region through scattered Oil Wells, gas wells, and mines, indicating a long-standing reliance on extractive resources. To the northwest, the edge of Zaleski State Forest provides a look at the transition from settled agricultural and timber land into state-managed forest conservation.