1950 Map of Vesuvius

About this map

Montebello and Massies Mill anchor this mid-century view of the Blue Ridge, where the highland economy is defined by transit and resource management. The Norfolk and Western railroad and the Lee Highway traverse the valley floor near Steeles Tavern, while higher elevations are dominated by the Big Levels Game Refuge and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The map documents a social landscape of isolated institutions, including the State Prison Camp No 10, the State Trout Nursery, and remote educational outposts like Panther Mtn Sch and Clark Mtn Mission. Industrial traces are evident through the Kennedy Mine and a high-altitude Aerial Tramway near Minebank Mtn. This survey captures the region just as the Appalachian Trail was becoming a permanent fixture of the mountain crests, winding past landmarks like Spy Rock and through Tye River Gap.