<p>Tazewell County, one of the gems of Southwest Virginia, lies within a couple hours’ drive of four state lines in this unique corner of the Commonwealth. There are five incorporated towns in Tazewell County, each one unique in its history and in the contributions of its citizens. Tazewell, formerly known as Jeffersonville, is the county seat and political center of the county; Bluefield, once called Graham, shares its name with its sister city in West Virginia. Richlands was once destined to become the “Pittsburgh of the South”; Cedar Bluff lies in a uniquely beautiful setting on the banks of the Clinch River; and Pocahontas, center of the famous Pocahontas Coalfields, is potentially the “Coalfield Williamsburg” of Southwest Virginia. As readers review these photographs of Tazewell County’s growth and development in this historical collection, it will stir within them many memories of the great people and places that have made Tazewell County such a unique Virginia treasure.</p>

Tazewell County (VA) (Images of America)

Arts & Photography

Leslie, Louise B.

Mullins, Dr. Terry W.

Photography & Video

Arcadia Publishing

The first pioneers to explore the Tazewell area were the long hunters, surveyors, and land speculators. In 1750, Dr. Thomas Walker remarked in his diary on the lush grass, plentifulness of game, and large quantities of coal. The town of Tazewell, settled in 1799 and incorporated in 1870, was first called Jeffersonville Township in honor of third U.S. president and native Virginian Thomas Jefferson. Over 200 years have passed, but the region's mountains and vast areas of pastureland remain unspoiled. Tazewell now serves as the seat and one of the most historic areas in Tazewell County.

Tazewell (VA) (Images of America)

<p>Jewell Ridge is truly Tazewell County’s crown jewel. This unique mountain-top community was born as a result of a major coal mining operation on the Tennessee–Ohio Valley divide in southwestern Virginia. From its humble beginnings, Jewell Ridge developed into a mountain society many years ahead of its time. Out of this distinctive coal town developed myriad traditions and customs that are instilled in the lives of Jewell Ridgers and their descendants even today. This project was initiated by the Jewell Ridge Recreation and Development Corporation and includes images from multiple sources, including several, extensive private collections.</p>

Jewell Ridge: Portrait of a Coal Town (Images of America)

Bluefield is truly Virginia’s tallest town. The town’s elevation is officially 2,389 feet, with East River Mountain reaching 3,700 feet at the town’s southern limit. In its long, illustrious history, the community has had four distinctive names. The small, agricultural community began as Pin Hook. Then the town became Harman in honor of a local Civil War hero, E. H. Harman. With the arrival of the railroad, the town was first incorporated under the name of Graham in 1884 in honor of the Philadelphia engineer and promoter Col. Thomas Graham. Finally, the town was redubbed Bluefield in 1924 to coincide with its neighbor across the state line. The name Bluefield comes from the fields of blue chicory that are common to this region of the two Virginias.

Bluefield, Virginia (Images of America)

Tazewell County, one of the gems of Southwest Virginia, lies within a couple hours' drive of four state lines in this unique corner of the Commonwealth. There are five incorporated towns in Tazewell County, each one unique in its history and in the contributions of its citizens. Tazewell, formerly known as Jeffersonville, is the county seat and political center of the county; Bluefield, once called Graham, shares its name with its sister city in West Virginia. Richlands was once destined to become the "Pittsburgh of the South"; Cedar Bluff lies in a uniquely beautiful setting on the banks of the Clinch River; and Pocahontas, center of the famous Pocahontas Coalfields, is potentially the "Coalfield Williamsburg" of Southwest Virginia. As readers review these photographs of Tazewell County's growth and development in this historical collection, it will stir within them many memories of the great people and places that have made Tazewell County such a unique Virginia treasure.

Tazewell County

Mullins, Terry W.

Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

Tazewell

History

Americas

Founder James Burke thought he had found a new Garden of Eden when he first saw Burke's Garden, the unique basin completely surrounded by mountains in Tazewell County. Called God's Thumbprint by modern poets, the fertile land was carved from the southern Appalachians after centuries of natural erosion. Today its scenic beauty is appreciated and protected by the residents who have settled on the rich farmlands. These early photographs of Burke's Garden, including the first homes and settlers, tell a story of the importance of land and family traditions.

Burke's Garden

Jewell Ridge is truly Tazewell County's crown jewel. This unique mountain-top community was born as a result of a major coal mining operation on the Tennessee-Ohio Valley divide in southwestern Virginia. From its humble beginnings, Jewell Ridge developed into a mountain society many years ahead of its time. Out of this distinctive coal town developed myriad traditions and customs that are instilled in the lives of Jewell Ridgers and their descendants even today. This project was initiated by the Jewell Ridge Recreation and Development Corporation and includes images from multiple sources, including several, extensive private collections.

Jewell Ridge: Portrait of a Coal Town

Bluefield is truly Virginia's tallest town. The town's elevation is officially 2,389 feet, with East River Mountain reaching 3,700 feet at the town's southern limit. In its long, illustrious history, the community has had four distinctive names. The small, agricultural community began as Pin Hook. Then the town became Harman in honor of a local Civil War hero, E. H. Harman. With the arrival of the railroad, the town was first incorporated under the name of Graham in 1884 in honor of the Philadelphia engineer and promoter Col. Thomas Graham. Finally, the town was redubbed Bluefield in 1924 to coincide with its neighbor across the state line. The name Bluefield comes from the fields of blue chicory that are common to this region of the two Virginias.

Bluefield, Virginia

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