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

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.