1957 Map of Wise

About this map

Wise and the surrounding coal country of the Cumberland Plateau are defined by the intensive presence of strip mines that weave through the ridges north of the Guest River. This 1950s landscape, later updated in the 1970s, illustrates the institutional growth of the region with the establishment of Clinch Valley College (Univ of Virginia) and the Wise County Memorial Hospital. The southern half of the map shifts abruptly into the protected wilderness of the Jefferson National Forest and the Glades Wildlife Management Area, where high-elevation landmarks like Eagle Knob and Osborn Rock overlook the forested slopes. Transport and recreation of the era are visible in the L & N RR rail lines, the High Knob Recreation Area, and even a local drive-in theater located near Ramsey. Family history is deeply rooted here, evidenced by dozens of small burial grounds such as Stallard Cem and Beverly Cem near the Berry Chapel.