Gatepost of Appalachia

Lee County, Virginia, is more than a point on a map—it is the living soul of the Appalachian frontier.In The Gatepost of Appalachia, Jerry Buchanan presents a sweeping historical narrative of the westernmost tip of the Old Dominion. Stretching from the historic community of Benedict to the gateway of Ewing, this work documents a land shaped by the heavy hand of industry and the enduring grace of its people.Explore the layers of Lee County's heritage:The Living Patchwork: A detailed look at the towns and Census-Designated Places (CDPs) that define the region, including Pennington Gap, Jonesville, Dryden, Rose Hill, and St. Charles.The Heart of the Hollers: Tributes to the "e;quiet places"e; like Ben Hur, Keokee, Ocoonita, and Stickleyville—unincorporated communities that live boldly in memory.Ancient Crossroads: The history of the Cumberland Gap as a vital trade artery for Indigenous Cherokee and Shawnee peoples long before European arrival.Frontier Resilience: The era of colonial expansion and the critical role of defensive outposts like Gibson's Station and Fort Blackmore in the struggle for the wilderness.Industrial Foundations: A legacy of labor, from the coal camps of Bonny Blue to the rail lines that transformed the valley.Combining 2020 Census data with atmospheric storytelling, Jerry Buchanan offers an essential record for genealogists, history buffs, and anyone who calls these mountains home.Step through the gatepost and discover the history of the valley.